[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 138 (Wednesday, July 20, 2022)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 43201-43202]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-15593]
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 138 / Wednesday, July 20, 2022 /
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[[Page 43201]]
Proclamation 10424 of July 15, 2022
National Atomic Veterans Day, 2022
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
On National Atomic Veterans Day, we recognize the brave
service of America's Atomic Veterans. We renew our
commitment to supporting Atomic Veterans and to
preserving their stories, so that Americans will always
remember both their crucial role in our history and our
aspiration for a world without nuclear weapons.
The military personnel who participated in nuclear
testing between 1945 and 1962, served in the Armed
Forces in or around Hiroshima and Nagasaki through mid-
1946, or were held as prisoners of war in or near
Hiroshima or Nagasaki stand among our bravest heroes.
Many of these veterans stepped forward to defend our
democratic values and helped to end the deadliest
conflict in history. Yet, despite their service in
uniform, Atomic Veterans were prevented from discussing
the nature of their service--including with their
families. Although many Atomic Veterans developed
serious health conditions due to radiation exposure,
they were unable to seek medical care or disability
compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA) for injuries and diseases associated with their
exposure.
Decades later, when the United States Congress repealed
the Nuclear Radiation and Secrecy Agreements Act,
veterans exposed to radiation through their service-
related activities were finally able to break their
silence and qualify for select VA benefits and
services. Tragically, many Atomic Veterans passed away
without ever receiving the health care they deserved
and without their families knowing the true extent of
their service.
Our Nation has many obligations, but only one sacred
obligation: to prepare and equip the troops that we
send into harm's way and to care for them when they
return home, as well as their families, caregivers, and
survivors. For far too long, our Nation failed in our
sacred obligation to our Atomic Veterans. It is a
mistake our country must never repeat. I am committed
to ensuring that all of our Nation's veterans and their
families, caregivers, and survivors have timely access
to the services, medical care, and benefits that they
deserve--including addressing the health effects of
exposures to environmental toxins and harmful
substances, such as the toxic fumes from burn pits.
Since taking office, we have made several improvements
to how we identify and address potential service-
connected conditions, and the First Lady and I are
personally committed to ensuring that all our veterans
and their families, caregivers, and survivors receive
the benefits and services they have earned.
On National Atomic Veterans Day, we honor the Atomic
Veterans who sacrificed on behalf our Nation. Our
Atomic Veterans are patriots, and their bravery and
service will always be remembered.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of
the United States of America, by virtue of the
authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws
of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 16, 2022,
as National Atomic Veterans Day. I call upon all
Americans to observe this day with appropriate
ceremonies and activities that honor our Nation's
Atomic Veterans whose brave service and sacrifice
played an important role in the defense of our Nation.
[[Page 43202]]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
fifteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and forty-
seventh.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 2022-15593
Filed 7-19-22; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3395-F2-P