Atomic Snapshots: International Friendship Bell

The International Friendship Bell in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is an 8000 pound bronze bell symbolizing the peace and friendship shared by Japan and Oak Ridge. Designed by Oak Ridge artist Suzanna Harris and cast by a family foundry in Kyoto, Japan, the relief panels of the International Friendship Bell represent images of Tennessee and Japan. Additional panels list the dates of Pearl Harbor, V-J Day, and the dates of the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The Peace Pavilion, located in A.K. Bissel Park and designed by architect Ziad Demian with innovative features, was dedicated in 2018 as the new home of the International Friendship Bell.

Visitors are welcome to right the bell anytime as a reminder of peace and unity.

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