Aug. 9 marks the 73rd anniversary of the US atomic bombing of Nagasaki in southwest Japan. /VCG Photo

Thousands of people light around 3,500 candles at the peace park in the city to commemorate people killed and injured in the attack as well as appeal for eliminating nuclear weapons on Aug. 8, the day before the anniversary. /VCG Photo

On Aug. 9, people gathered in the peace park to honor the victims and share their hopes for peace. They marked the 8:15 a.m. blast with a minute of silence. /VCG Photo

This year is also the first time for a UN Secretary-General to attend. One 81-year-old atomic bomb survivor said, "I really appreciate that many young people are offering their sincere prayers." /VCG Photo

The US attack, which happened 73 years ago, killed more than 70,000 people in one year alone, leading to Japan’s surrender and ending the Second World War. /VCG Photo