Enola Gay Crew Members, Pilot: Paul Tibbets, Navagator: Dutch Van Kirk & Weapon's Test Officer: Morris Jeppson during the 60th Anniversary of the Invasion of Tinian in 2004 The island of Tinian, historically known as the take off point for the world-famous B-29's, the Enola Gay and Bock's Car, departed Tinian 60 years ago on August 6th and August 9th, 1945. On those fateful mornings, the world's first nuclear weapons were released on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, hastening to an end WWII.

To commemorate history's most significant event in the past century, the US island of Tinian, in the Northern Mariana Islands, will be hosting an 8-day, 60th Anniversary Commemoration event.

Events and activities scheduled include:

• A Peace and Memorial ceremony commemorating the dropping of the weapons on the 6th and 9th
• Oral presentations and experiences by the US B-29 Atomic Crews
• Various reunions of US Veterans (509th Composite Group, 112th Sea Bees, USS Indianapolis Survivors, etc)
• The Hibakusha Experience (atomic survivors) oral presentations on Saipan, Tinian and Rota
• The Los Alamos National Atomic Museum exhibit
• The Tinian Historical Artifact exhibit
• The Hiroshima and Nagasaki Atomic Photo Exhibit
• Various book signings and autograph sessions by Veterans and Authors
• "Witness to the weapon" video archive recordings of Veterans

2004 Tinian Atomic Peace Vigil - Paper lantern ceremony The event does not intend to assign blame but, instead, impart history through the personal knowledge and experiences of those that had lived it on both sides of the conflict. Tinian's commemoration goal is to turn "hatred into hope" through an open dialog of the knowledge of events that transpired 60 years ago.

• "There can be no knowledge without emotion. We may be aware of a truth, yet until we have felt its force, it is not ours. To the cognition of the brain must be added the experience of the soul." Arnold Bennett

All US and Japanese WWII Veterans will be sponsored 3 free meals during their stay on Tinian. Events will be held congruently and attendees will have the choice to attend events of their interest. For more information, see the schedule of events page.