Oak Ridge Wayside: International Friendship Bell

The Oak Ridge International Friendship Bell wayside.

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto

Subtitle
A Symbol of Peace to a Town Borne of War

Main Text 
At nearly seven feet tall and five feet wide, the 8,300-pound bronze bell symbolizes peace and reconciliation between the United States and Japan. The concept of the bell came about when Oak Ridge residents Dr. Ram Uppuluri and his wife, Shigeko visited Japan in 1987. After seeing the value of a bonshō bell hanging in Buddhist Gannyu-ji Temple, they launched “Project Peace Bell.”Designed in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, in 1991 by Suzanna Harris and cast in Kyoto, Japan, in 1993 by renowned Japanese bell-maker Sotetsu Iwazawa, the relief panels display peaceful images inspired by Tennessee, Japan, as well as tragedies of war between the two nations. Recognizing the potential significance of the bell, $750,000 in donations was ultimately raised to design, fabricate, deliver, and install the bell, by citizens and foundations in communities in both Japan, and in Oak Ridge. The bell was not without controversy when it was dedicated in 1996. There were concerns over potential noise from the bell, as well as some interpreting it as an apology for destroying Hiroshima. Visitors are encouraged to ring the bell in times of celebration and remembrance. 

Photo text (quote): “The bell was built to honor the workers of the Manhattan Project, to commemorate the 50th birthday of Oak Ridge, and to become a symbol and everlasting monument for the peace. The bell is for everyone, the young and the old. I feel something very special about this town, the town borne of war, living for peace and growing through science.” -- Shigeko Yoshino Uppuluri 

Exhibit Panel Description 
A black and white exhibit panel on a black frame approximately four feet tall. The panel has a black band at the top and a title underneath that reads “International Friendship Bell: A Symbol of Peace to a Town Borne of War”. A photo of a large bell is on the center right partially covered by a quote. The text of the panel is located on the center left. 

Visit This Exhibit Panel 
The International Friendship Bell wayside is located next to the bell in AK Bissell Park. The address is 1401 Oak Ridge Turnpike Oak Ridge, TN 37830.