Cold War Patriots: National Day of Remembrance Events

Cold War Patriots Announces 8^th Annual National Day of Remembrance, Oct. 30

Organization honors nuclear weapons, uranium workers with events across the country

 Cold War Patriots (CWP), a community resource organization providing information, advocacy and recognition to the thousands of nuclear weapons and uranium workers who served this nation, today announced Oct. 30 as the official Cold War Patriots’ National Day of Remembrance for nuclear weapons and uranium workers. This is the eighth National Day of Remembrance since its inception by CWP in 2009. Since World War II, hundreds of thousands of men and women have served their country by building nuclear weapons in defense of the United States. Many of these workers paid a high price for their service, including developing disabling or fatal illnesses.

This includes workers like 66-year-old Michael B. who was employed at a nuclear weapons facility for seven years beginning in 1969. Twenty-three years after Michael ended his tenure at the facility, Michael was diagnosed with bronchitis which developed into COPD, then emphysema. Over time doctors found cancer in his lungs and his kidneys, and learned his medical issues were a result of his exposure to radioactive particles at the weapons facility. Cold War Patriots helped Michael find the information he needed to file a claim through the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. Through this program Michael received monetary compensation as well as medical benefits, including free in-home care.

“These workers are the unsung heroes of the Cold War,” says Tim Lerew, CWP Chairperson. “They worked tirelessly with hazardous materials that we knew little about at the time. The National Day of Remembrance ensures their valuable contributions to our country are not forgotten.”

CWP’s official events observing the 8^th annual National Day of Remembrance will be held at various locations across the U.S. (see full list below) and are open to all current and former nuclear weapons and uranium workers.

Click on our EVENTS PAGE to learn more about the events specific to your area.

About Cold War Patriots (CWP)

Cold War Patriots (CWP) is a community resource organization founded to honor and provide assistance for over 1,000,000 patriotic men and women who worked in over 350 nuclear weapons and uranium facilities to fortify America’s nuclear defense. CWP’s mission is to connect members with information and resources to navigate complex government programs, advocate for former worker rights, and connect members with health services. There are over 40,000 CWP members nationwide. Membership in Cold War Patriots is free.