Senate OKs 'Day of Remembrance' for nuke workers

[bananas]

Source: Knoxville News Sentinel

The U.S. Senate has approved a resolution declaring Oct. 30, 2009 as a national day of remembrance for Cold War nuclear workers. The resolution was sponsored by U.S. Sens. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and Jim Bunning, R-Ky., according to a statement released by Alexander's press office.

In a statement, Bunning said:

"Our nation's nuclear workers bravely served our country at a time when we needed them most and they deserve to be honored. Many of these workers developed illnesses as a result of their service at DOE nuclear plants during the Cold War and I have done everything I can from my seat on the Energy Committee in the United States Senate to make sure that they are fairly compensated for a job well done. Now, by approving this resolution, the Senate has declared that on October 30, 2009, the whole nation will recognize these fine men and women for the sacrifices they made."

Alexander issued a similar statement:

"I thank Senator Bunning for his leadership as the pioneer in this effort to recognize the dedicated nuclear workers who were so instrumental in our Cold War victory. Tennessee has more workers who were made sick through their exposure to nuclear weapon hazards than any other state in the union. They put their health and their lives in jeopardy in the service of their country -- often without knowing it -- which is why I'm glad the Senate has designated a national day of remembrance to honor them."


According to the press statement, Congressman Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., has authored a companation resolution for the House.

Here is a statement from Wamp:

"Thousands of Department of Energy employees in Oak Ridge and around the country were exposed to hazardous material while working to boost the nuclear arsenal that helped win the Cold War. I was honored to help carry the original legislation to provide benefits to these patriotic Americans. This resolution recognizes these Cold War warriors for their dedication and sacrificial service to our country. We have a solemn obligation to these sick workers now suffering from work-related illnesses who have given so much to our nation."

Janine Anderson, a former K-25 worker and vigorous advocate for workers made sick by Cold War workplace exposures, died earlier this month -- at a time when she was leading the effort to get support for a Day of Remembrance. Anderson was involved in early efforts to get a federal compensation fund established for sick nuclear workers and continued to work with several groups to help those who worked in the government's nuclear weapons program.



Read more: http://blogs.knoxnews.com/knx/munger/2009/05/senate_oks_day_of_remembrance.html

---

Related posts - I highly recommend the video of her last interview:

• Janine Anderson Dies After Championing Sick Nuclear Worker Cause: Last Interview
  
• Tribute to Janine Anderson at DOE Website
  

[JHB]

1. ..."But we'll still fight them and anyone like them tooth and nail...

...when they demand actual compensation for ailments caused by their faithful service."

[struggle4progress]

3. Bingo!

[Honeycombe8]

2. I did not know this. Sad. Thanks for informing. nt