Every year, on August 6th and 9th, thousands of people around the world gather for solemn commemorations of the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. But remembrance is more than commemoration. It is a powerful human force that can fuel healing and create a firm resolve to work to make the world a better place. And by preserving the story of these horrible events, we work to ensure history is never repeated.

I hope you will join us in honoring this 64th anniversary, and recommitting to the work of ensuring nuclear weapons are never used again, by doing these 2 simple things.

US ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, the international treaty that bans nuclear explosive testing, would be a smart step foward as part of a global effort to reduce the threat from nuclear weapons. This year, many are excited about the prospect of the Senate giving its advice and consent for the treaty’s ratification. The world would be a safer place if the treaty entered into force as it would help prevent nuclear arms races and new nuclear weapons states from emerging.

The Associated Press has some good news for those of us looking for signs that we’re getting closer to reaching the 67 senators needed for ratification of the treaty.

August 6th and 9th are the 64th anniversaries of the US atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, where an estimated 200,000 people were killed. Grassroots groups around the country will be gathering next week to remember the victims of these nuclear weapons attacks and to highlight the need for achieving a nuclear weapons free world. Help show public support for the elimination of nuclear weapons and remember the victims of nuclear weapons by attending an event in your area. Peace Action has a list of events nationwide. Search to see what events are taking place near you by clicking here. If your organization is holding an event, you can list it online by registering your event here.