I send this message to celebrate the Spirit of Hiroshima Exhibition at Bowling Green State University. First, on behalf of the people of Hiroshima, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those at the university whose devotion and hard work made this exhibition possible. Through the latter half of the "century of war," the city of Hiroshima has consistently followed the lead of our A-bomb survivors in appealing to the world for the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realization of genuine and lasting world peace. Unfortunately, as we start the 21st century, our planet still bristles with vast arsenals of nuclear weapons and is plagued with myriad forms of violence from the massive terrorism we saw on September 11 to the general destruction of our environment. It goes without saying that the terrorist attacks in the US were inhumane, unconscionable acts of violence. Yet, from Hiroshima's perspective, the path to reconciliation and genuine peace lies precisely in breaking such chains of hatred and violence. We must in the 21st century free ourselves from all forms of violence and create a century of peace and humanity free from nuclear weapons. By "humanity" I refer to the willingness to care for all sentient beings. It means valuing reconciliation, rejecting violence, and making our decisions based on reason and conscience. We must arouse international public opinion to ensure that our leaders maintain a strong will to eliminate nuclear weapons, the courage required to make reconciliation and humanity top priorities, and the determination to pursue the peaceful resolution of conflict. On the first August 6 of the 21st century, Hiroshima declared its determination to do everything in our power to make this century one of peace and humanity free from nuclear weapons, and we reaffirmed our intent to communicate in living form to coming generations the survivors' pledge and unrelenting will never to allow a repetition of their nuclear tragedy. In that sense, your Spirit of Hiroshima Exhibition is profoundly meaningful. I believe it will generate a powerful force for peace, and I hope that you will all work hand in hand with Hiroshima to create a century of peace and humanity. To this end, I fervently hope that this exhibition will teach thousands of visitors the facts about the damage done by nuclear weapons and that they will, as a result, hear and accept the message of the A-bomb survivors. I close with my best wishes to all involved for health and success in all your endeavors. November, 2001 Tadatoshi Akiba Mayor of Hiroshima