[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7979]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            COMMEMORATING THE 18TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHERNOBYL

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                            HON. CURT WELDON

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 28, 2004

  Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, on April 26, 2004 we marked 
the 18 year anniversary of the terrible tragedy at Chernobyl, Ukraine. 
On that day and those that followed, thousands of people lost their 
lives and millions more around the world felt the effects of the 
escaped radiation.
  Today, many of the survivors have returned to live in the 
contaminated area. They no longer fear the lingering radiation or the 
land's barren landscape, choosing rather to live on the only land they 
can call home. They do not have much to live for, the contaminated zone 
offers little in the shadow of the reactor's remains, but they are 
tough-minded individuals with little else to give.
  The incident at Chernobyl reminded us that mankind remains at the 
mercy of its creations. Innovation sets mankind apart from other living 
creatures, yet to a certain extent we will always be powerless to the 
whims of technology. The incident at Chernobyl was a tragedy of epic 
proportions, one that is too easily overlooked by the world even though 
it took place less than 20 years ago. As we continue to progress and 
develop new technologies, we must remember the lessons of Chernobyl and 
the lives it forever altered.

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