68TH INDEPENDENT DAY          

Independence Day, observed annually on 15 August, is a National Holiday in India commemorating the nation's independence from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on 15 August 1947. India attained independence following an Independence Movement noted for largely nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience led by the Indian National Congress (INC).^[1] Independence coincided with the partition of India, in which the British Indian Empire was divided along religious lines into the Dominions of India and Pakistan; the partition was accompanied by violent riots and mass casualties, and the displacement of nearly 15 million people due to sectarian violence.

On 15 August 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru, who had become the first Prime Minister of India that day, raised the Indian national flag above the Lahore Gate of the Red Fort in Delhi. On each subsequent 

Independence Day, the Prime Minister has raised the flag and given a speech.^[2]

The holiday is observed throughout India with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades and cultural events. Indians celebrate the day by displaying the national flag on their attire, accessories, homes and vehicles; by listening to patriotic songs, watching patriotic movies; and bonding with family and friends. Books and films feature the independence and partition in their narrative. Separatist and militant organisations have often carried out terrorist attacks on and around 15 August, and others have declared strikes and used black flags to boycott the celebration.

HIROSHIMA AND NAGASAKI BOMBING

Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

 World War II had been going on for over two years and the U.S. was staying in isolationism.   But on December 7, 1941 Japan launched an attack on Pearl Harbor.  After this The United States declared war on Japan.  On August 6, 1945, little boy, the first atomic bomb ever used in war was dropped on the city of Hiroshima.  This resulted in 70,000-80,000 people died immediately and another 70,000 were injured.  Hiroshima at the time was very large with roughly 350.000 people living there.  It was chosen because it had industrial and military significance.  Three days later it was followed by Fatman, the second and last atomic bomb used in war, which was dropped on the city of Nagasaki.  This resulted in over 40,000-75,000 immediately dying.  Originally Fatman was to be dropped on the city of Kokura, but because of the weather they decided to bomb their secondary target Nagasaki.  Nagasaki was important because it was one of the largest seaports in Japan and the large industrial activities including producing military equipment.        Many things led up to the bombing of theses two great Japanese cities.  The first event leading up to the bombing is World War II and Japans involvement in bringing the US out of isolationism.  After the bombing of Pearl Harbor the US was already furious with Japan and wanted revenge.  Another thing leading up to this event was Manhattan Project.  This was started in 1939 when the U.S., feared that the Germans were making an atomic bomb.  This resulted in the creation of the bomb.  Another factor was the Potsdam Declaration, which was issued in July 26 1945.  This stated that Japan must surrender and follow all the terms or face “prompt and utter destruction.”  Japan declined and the U.S. followed in its threat with the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.  The atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki had many consequences