nickhindes - 65 years later, what have we learned...

As a history major, dates and events are a speciality. I love seeing what happened today in history. For example, the events that happened today:

-1538 - Bogotá, Colombia, is founded by Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada.

-1787 - Constitutional Convention in Phila begins debate.

-1896 - France annexes Madagascar.

-1914 - Austria-Hungary declares war on Russia & Serbia.

-1945 - Hiroshima Peace Day-atom bomb dropped on Hiroshima by "Enola Gay."

So much history on a day such as today, August 6th. I am left pondering after the last entry; it leaves quite a sting, a mark on the course of history. This was the first time an atomic bomb was ever dropped on a country, though it would be followed up a few days later on Nagasaki which ended the war, still, Hiroshima sent a message. In fact today, was the first time the United States sent a delegation to the annual ceremony, yet the citizens of Hiroshima did not receive what they desired: an apology. The denizens of these two Japanese cities are left with mixed feelings on World War II, especially the atomic bomb.

I am not here to give an opinion or a commentary, only to state an obvious fact, which is 65 years later, we are divided on the decision to drop the bomb and it's effects.

Yet I would like to know, even after such atrocious events, can grace still be given and received? Can restoration of the heart and soul of a country(ies) ever truly happen? Are forgiveness and love possible?

I ask all this because this is something that has been racing through my mind today, it has been on my heart.