Second Annual National Day of Remembrance Approved

Senate Passes Unanimous Resolution Honoring Cold War Nuclear Workers With National Day of Remembrance

Resolution recognizes sacrifices made by nuclear weapons and uranium workers who risked their lives serving their country during the Cold War

(DENVER, CO – September 29, 2010) The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution yesterday designating October 30, 2010, a national day of remembrance for uranium and nuclear weapons workers who served their country during the Cold War Era.

“Our nation’s cold war veterans who dedicated their brainpower, livelihoods and unknowingly jeopardized their health to develop our nuclear deterrent, deserve this recognition,” said Senator Tom Udall (D-NM), one of the resolution’s four sponsors. “Behind the Manhattan Project at what would become Los Alamos National Laboratory were not only scientists, but many others like janitors, maintenance workers and miners and millers. They worked with and supplied the very substances that made them sick, and in too many instances ultimately led to their premature deaths. They — and their families — sacrificed tremendously for the security of America and for that we will always owe them a debt of gratitude.”

“These civilian workers made great contributions to our national defense during the Cold War,” said co-sponsor Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.). “It’s appropriate that we dedicate a day to celebrate their achievements and to honor the sacrifices they made to help keep our country and its citizens safe.”

Cold War Patriots, a non-profit organization advocating for nuclear weapons complex workers, launched the National Day of Remembrance campaign in 2009. The renewal of the National Day of Remembrance again in 2010 ensures the former workers will get the recognition they deserve. At the height of the Cold War, over 600,000 men and women worked to make the country’s nuclear deterrent possible. Many of them developed disabling or fatal illnesses because of exposure to radiation and toxic substances while producing and testing nuclear weapons. On October 30, Cold War Patriots will honor their contribution to America’s defense with celebrations in a dozen communities around the country.

“Our goal is to make sure that these unsung heroes are not forgotten,” said Greg Austin, Chairman of the Cold War Patriots Advisory Committee.

Background

During the Cold War, some 600,000 people worked to build the U.S. arsenal of nuclear weapons. In 2000, the U.S. Congress passed an act to compensate people who had been harmed. The Department of Labor program gives cash and medical aid to workers who became ill after being exposed to radiation or toxic substances.

Many facilities have high levels of exposure and sickness, however, significant exposure has happened for uranium workers in the Four Corners area (the border of Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona), and nuclear workers in OH, WA, TN, CO, SC and many other states across the nation.

Cold War Patriots is the first national network connecting nuclear workers and uranium miners with support and assistance with complicated issues, including benefits claims. As they desperately wait for help, these workers are currently dying at an estimated rate of 60 per day. The organization’s advisory committee includes workers, physicians and attorneys.

Membership in Cold War Patriots is free to current and former nuclear weapons workers, uranium miners, millers, and haulers, as well as other individuals, family members or professionals that support the Cold War Patriot mission. For more information visit www.coldwarpatriots.com or call 888-903-8989.

###