Retired U.S. Army Corporal Harold Wesmiller detailed exactly where he was 80 years ago, when the United States dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, a move that many argue played a pivotal role in ending World War II.

Dr. Alexander Upward, a history professor at Mercyhurst University, explained that while many historians make different arguments on the dropping of the bomb, it may have saved both American and Japanese lives.

On Wednesday, Japan held a memorial ceremony with representatives from 120 countries and regions that included a moment of silence for those who died.