The cost of war is deeply personal. August 6, 1995, will mark the 50th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima. This event presents us with an important opportunity to talk about the dangers of nuclear weapons as well as the long-term consequences of war.

Still, this remains a very delicate issue, as evidenced by the controversy over the planned Smithsonian exhibition of the Enola Gay, the aircraft that dropped the first atomic bomb.

The soundtrack, Sadako And The Thousand Paper Cranes, is a very special and unique recording from Dancing Cat Records.

It is a particularly good vehicle for commemorating the anniversary because it is non-blaming, hopeful and appropriate for children as well as adults; it goes beyond the grim facts and engages the heart by telling the poignant story of one young girl.

Sadako And The Thousand Paper Cranes, tells a true story of Sadako Sasaki, a 12-year-old Japanese girl who developed leukemia 10 years after the bombing of Hiroshima.

Sadako was inspired by an old legend, believing that if she folded a thousand paper cranes, the gods might grant her wish to get well.

This soundtrack recording was originally produced for a half-hour film. Directed by George Levenson, the video received numerous awards and acclaims and is based on the book by Eleanor Coerr.

In set one of this recording, Liv Ullmann’s clear and sensitive reading of young Sadako’s story is enhanced by George Winston’s solo guitar music. Set two features Winston’s ear-enticing and thought-provoking guitar music alone.

Sadako And The Thousand Paper Cranes, released in remembrance of the 50th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima, provides parents with an ideal way to teach their children about the lasting values of hope and peace.

The original story, on which the film and soundtrack are based, is a contemporary classic and is part of the curriculum in most school districts in North America.

Sadako’s story has touched the hearts of people throughout the world, and each August 6, millions of paper cranes are sent to Hiroshima’s Peace Park to be placed at the base of the Children’s Monument, built in order to honor Sadako and all other children around the world affected by war.

The price of war is rooted deeply in emotion. This soundtrack recording attempts to educate and remind us of the tragedy that has sparked the world throughout history; it is enough to make our minds free of prejudice and instead become filled with education and hope for all humankind in the way of a major disaster.