A commemorative ceremony and lecture event celebrating ABCC-RERF’s 70^th anniversary was held at the Hiroshima Prefectural Medical Association Hall, located in Hiroshima, on Monday, June 19, 2017. The event was attended by more than 300 people, including atomic bomb survivors who participate in RERF’s studies, general citizens, media representatives, and both current and former RERF staff members. This year marks the 70^th since the Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission (ABCC), RERF’s predecessor, was established in Hiroshima in 1947.

The commemorative event’s theme was RERF’s appreciation for A-bomb survivors’ cooperation. However, first, RERF had to face up to its past. In his opening greetings, Dr. Ohtsura Niwa, RERF Chairman, conveyed to A-bomb survivors and their children that as head of RERF, the successor to ABCC, he regretted the mistakes of the ABCC era and expressed deep gratitude to these who have cooperated in RERF’s studies despite possible ill feelings toward ABCC. He also thanked local officials who have supported RERF, as well as the governments of Japan and the United States.

In the commemorative lectures, first, Dr. Fred Mettler, Professor Emeritus and Clinical Professor, Radiology Department, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, gave a lecture titled “The Gift of Knowledge: Contribution of A-bomb Survivors to the Daily Life of People in the World.” He explained in simple terms about how the study data on cancer risk published by RERF are utilized as the most reliable standards of their kind in the world: specific examples included for CT screening in medical settings with comparative examination of diagnostic benefits and exposure risks, as well as for management of radiation exposure encountered by pilots and aircrew.

Next, Mr. Sunao Tsuboi, Chairman of the Hiroshima Prefectural Confederation of A-bomb Sufferers Organization, spoke on the issue of “The Lives of Atomic Bomb Survivors.” He told of his own experience as an A-bomb survivor: he was at a location about 1.5 km from the hypocenter when the atomic bomb was dropped and after wandering around the hellish city, was close to accepting his own death near Miyuki Bridge. He told of his resolve to support the efforts to abolish nuclear weapons. Mr. Tsuboi also strongly encouraged RERF to continue its research for the future of humanity.

Lastly, Chairman Niwa presented a plaque of appreciation and gratitude to everyone who had cooperated in RERF’s research. With that, the event was closed.