Hiroshima, Aug. 6 -- Japan observed a solemn moment of silence on Wednesday morning, marking 80 years since the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima during World War Two.

The ceremony was held at Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and attended by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba along with officials from around the world.

"Hiroshima is a symbol of the horrors of nuclear war," said Mayor Kazumi Matsui. "Japan is the only nation to have suffered an atomic bombing in war. Our people continue to hope for true and lasting peace."

The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki led to Japan's surrender and the end of World War Two. More than 200,000 people died, either instantly from the blast or later due to radiation and seve...