Virginia Anderson, former Director of the Seattle Center at the time of the Kobe Earthquake, rings the Kobe bell
SKSCA and other Japan-related groups have held bell ringing ceremonies since the Kobe earthquake to remember victims and show support to Kobe and its surrounding communities. Seattle residents also gathered at the Kobe Bell after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in Tohoku, Japan.
The program included remarks from Japanese Consul General Masahiro Omura and other dignitaries, prayers and blessings by Reverend Taijo Imanaka, Head Priest of Seattle Koyasan Buddhist Temple, and Reverend Ekou Murakami, Resident Minister of Seattle Nichiren Buddhist Church, a moment of silence, bell ringing, and a gathering in the nearby Armory Building to view some photos and displays from the earthquake and learn about disaster preparedness.After the speakers, participants lighted candles for a moment of silence and ring the Kobe Bell in memory of those who perished in the 1995 disaster. (end)