By Physicians for Social Responsibility Wisconsin and Madison for a World BEYOND War, July 23, 2025
Dear Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs,
Physicians for Social Responsibility Wisconsin (PSR WI) and World Beyond War Madison are writing to respectfully request that the Wisconsin National Guard refrain from conducting any military flyovers over the city of Madison on August 6, 2025.
This date marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, a somber moment in world history and a day of remembrance for the countless lives lost and forever changed by nuclear warfare. PSR Wisconsin will be holding its annual Lanterns for Peace event that evening at Tenney Park, where members of the community will gather to honor the victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and to reaffirm our commitment to peace and nuclear disarmament.
Notably, in 2019 the City of Madison issued a proclamation recognizing August 6 as Hiroshima Day and August 9 as Nagasaki Day, and called on the United States to uphold its commitments under the 1970 Non-Proliferation Treaty. This proclamation reflects Madison’s commitment to peace, nuclear disarmament, and social justice.
We recognize and appreciate the service and dedication of the men and women of the Wisconsin National Guard. This request is not made in protest of their service, but in recognition of the solemnity of the day and the trauma that military aircraft can symbolize, particularly on an occasion dedicated to remembering the human cost of war and advocating for a more peaceful future.
A quiet sky over Madison on August 6 would be a meaningful gesture of respect for the victims of nuclear warfare and an acknowledgment of our community’s efforts to reflect, educate, and honor peace.
Thank you for your consideration of this request. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss this further.
Sincerely,
Marta Karlov
Physicians for Social Responsibility Wisconsin
Janet Parker
Madison for a World BEYOND War
