Immense turnout for National Day of Remembrance

By Cody McClure/The Oak Ridger

The 3,192-square-foot meeting room at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Oak Ridge was packed so full of “Cold War Patriots” on Monday morning that people were standing outside the doorways trying to see what was going on inside.

The large gathering of people were there as part of the eighth annual National Day of Remembrance for nuclear weapons workers established by the U.S. Senate.

Many former employees, along with their families and friends, gathered to hear Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank, Cold War Patriots Regional Director Susan Adkisson and other guests speak.

“I have a special interest in you as the workers,” Adkisson said. “I’ve seen the sacrifices that everyone has made and I’ve lived the sacrifices myself …

“The Cold War is still being fought today — just in a different way,” she said. “Our workers at all these sites are helping to keep all of us safe.

“Protection is an ongoing endeavor here in Oak Ridge.”

Adkisson finished her presentation — one of many from 10 a.m. to noon — by saying, “We recognize the service that you all provide. Thank you.”

The remembrance on Monday also included a video to honor the employees. The event ended with a standing ovation from proud retirees, as many of them sang along to Lee Greenwood’s popular patriotic song, “God Bless the U.S.A.”