Visiting the Hiroshima Memorial Museum was an eye-opening experience that allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the devastating impacts of the atomic bomb dropped on August 6, 1945. The museum was filled with artifacts, displays, personal items, and stories that highlighted the bomb’s effects and lessons that followed. As I walked through the exhibit, I was first shown the beauty Of Hiroshima before the incident. Shortly after, We are shown a 3-D live interactive video of the bomb being dropped, where it hit, and what it affected. The rest of the path focused on the aftermath of the bomb. We would see the effects of radiation exposure on clothes, daily necessities, and humans themselves. The effects of being exposed to radiation were so gruesome to victims but also to those who were not affected directly by the bomb itself. Many were suffering from health effects that did not appear directly after the bomb.
One case that really shook me was a little girl named Ritsuko Masuda. She was a third-year student at Hiroshima Jogakuin Girls High School. She didn’t suffer from direct burns but suddenly felt ill and started to vomit blood which was pretty typical for survivors. Due to the shortage of health necessities, she had to receive a transfusion with horse blood, causing more health complications for decades. The museum detailed the aftermath survivors had to deal with. Such as health issues, social stigmas, and trauma. 
It also taught me about the importance of nuclear warfare. Illustrating how there is an ongoing threat of nuclear weapons and their capabilities for destruction. They continue to fight to prevent such a catastrophe from happening again. The museum laid many historical monuments that serve as a reminder of the lives lost. We also saw the iconic A-Bomb Dome which serves as a powerful symbol of hope. It was preserved to show the real-life effects of a bomb and how much destruction causes not only to infrastructure but lives too.
The museum emphasizes on education so that we never forget what happened and to continue to advocate for peace. Additionally, I learned about the incredible spirit of the people in Hiroshima. Despite the city being completely destroyed, they worked hard to rebuild their lives and turn the city into what it was once before. It’s covered with beautiful stores, homes, and agriculture. Overall, visiting the museum was a transformative experience that I will never forget.