Oak Ridge Rings Friendship Bell to Mark 80 Years Since Hiroshima Bombing

Wednesday marks 80 years since the U.S. dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, a pivotal moment that contributed to the end of World War II. In Oak Ridge, Tennessee, which played a critical role in enriching the bomb’s uranium core as part of the Manhattan Project, a somber ceremony honored the occasion.

At the Manhattan Project National Historical Park, community members gathered to ring the International Friendship Bell 80 times—once for each year since the bombing.

Ram Uppuluri, whose parents were instrumental in bringing the bell to Oak Ridge, shared why the event holds deep meaning for his family.

“I feel like our bell is also a fitting symbol—not just of peace, and a symbol that remembers that moment 80 years ago,” said Uppuluri. “But also a symbol that ushers a kind of promise and hope for the future.”

Since 1993, the bell has served as a symbol of healing and remembrance. Uppuluri reflected on its origin, tied to a theme of unity and forward thinking.

“My parents proposed this International Friendship Bell as a fitting monument to represent the theme of the celebration: ‘Born Of War, Living For Peace, Growing Through Science.’”

While the bell represents peace, Ram emphasized the importance of remembering the past.

“When that technology was birthed by the dropping of the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, it was a great moment of triumph for us here in East Tennessee,” he said, “but also it opened up a whole new chapter of warfare that we don’t want to repeat.”

Located in Bissell Park, the bell draws visitors from across the country and the world.

“I’m so proud of being here at the heart of our city,” Uppuluri said. “It’s something that people from all over can come to visit.”

At the close of the ceremony, attendees were invited to ring the bell themselves—each chime echoing a message of remembrance, peace, and hope.

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