Commentary: National Day of Remembrance

  • Published
  • By Maj. Gen. Sandra Finan
  • Commander, Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Since 2009, the United States Senate has annually designated Oct. 30 a National Day of Remembrance for nuclear weapons workers. On Sept. 18, 2013, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed Senate Resolution 164 designating Oct. 30, 2013, the fifth National Day of Remembrance to recognize the sacrifices of the more than half a million men and women who have since World War II contributed to the building of a strong nuclear deterrent in our nation's defense.

These hundreds of thousands of workers include not only those in uniform and those at the national laboratories, but also the countless others who have mined, milled and hauled uranium and done the other work necessary for the production and testing of nuclear weapons. America's nuclear weapons program would not be possible without these many unsung heroes. Many of these have paid a high price for their service as they have contracted disabling or fatal illnesses.

With the passage of the National Day of Remembrance resolution in 2011, New Mexico Senator Tom Udall stated, "Our nation's Cold War veterans and their families made tremendous sacrifices in the name of security, and for that we will always owe them a debt of gratitude. We often hear about the scientists behind the Manhattan Project in New Mexico, but many others, like maintenance workers, miners, millers and janitors unknowingly compromised their health to develop our nuclear deterrent. It's important that we continue to recognize their contributions."

Since the first National Day of Remembrance in 2009, communities across the nation have held special celebrations to honor these workers. One group has taken a time capsule across the United States, collecting artifacts and the stories of nuclear weapons program workers. Others have constructed a remembrance quilt to memorialize the contributions of those workers.

This year, the Senate resolution again "encourages the people of the United States to support and participate in appropriate ceremonies, programs, and other activities to commemorate Oct. 30, 2013, as a National Day of Remembrance for past and present workers in the nuclear weapons program of the United States."

It is fitting that members of Team Kirtland should take a few moments to reflect upon the significant contribution, service, and sacrifice these many individuals have made and continue to make in defense of our nation. You most certainly have my sincere appreciation for your past and continued service.