[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 96 (Tuesday, July 16, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S6862]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO ATOMIC VETERANS

 Mr. MILLER. Mr. President, I rise to acknowledge President 
Reagan's designation of July 16 as National Atomic Veterans' Day.
  Between 1945 and 1963, the United States conducted over 235 
atmospheric nuclear weapons tests in the Pacific and the American 
Southwest. At least 220,000 American servicemembers participated in 
these tests, or were stationed near Hiroshima and Nagasaki immediately 
following World War II. While they served our country patriotically, 
loyally, and proudly they were not informed of the dangers from 
exposure to ionizing radiation. For 50 years, these veterans have been 
one of the most neglected groups, even though they risked their lives 
for our freedom.
  Despite their valuable contributions to the United States, these 
veterans have not received the recognition they deserve. It is only 
appropriate that the American people remember the service of these 
dedicated veterans today, National Atomic Veterans' Day.

                          ____________________