To: Forrest Bahler, Atomic Veteran [Operation Hardtack]
co-bjvcr@juno.com
Committee Chairman: Atomic Veterans Day Proclamation
From: Keith Whittle,
National Association of Atomic Veterans (NAAV)
Portland Area Commander
7342 N. Alma Ave.
Portland, OR 97203
503-289-2720
email: pdxavets@aracnet.com
http://www.aracnet.com/~pdxavets
This is the unedited draft send to the Oregon governor for consideration.
Draft Proclamation.
Office of the Governor
John A. Kitzhaber
On July 16, 1945, US government scientists and military personnel detonated the first explosive weapon using the unlimited power within the atom. This enormous atomic power was used against the Japanese and brought to a close the devastation of World War II.
Because of political and ideological differences with the USSR, an arms race developed for these new weapons. This struggle is now known as the Cold War.
American service men and women were ordered to prepare, support and observe the scientific testing of atomic weapons at the Pacific Proving Grounds and the Nevada Test Site. In the rush to stay ahead in the developent of more efficient and larger weapons many service personnel were exposed to the long term hazards of radiation exposure.
Only recently has the US government begun to include atomic veterans for Veterans Administration medical treatment and compensation for certain illnesses presumptive to their radiation exposure at the atomic tests. The medical and financial hardships for some of these men and their families is a sacrifice for freedom that must never be forgotten.
Therefore I, John Kitzhaber, Governor of the State of Oregon, do hereby proclaim July 16, 2001 as Atomic Veterans Day in Oregon. These Atomic Veterans like no other citizens understand the awesome power of today's nuclear arsenal. Their experience and what they have witnessed and their history, after decades of sworn secrecy, is very important to further the cause of peace and to warn future generations against the unparalled dangers of atomic war.
Oregon Atomic Veterans Meeting July 16, 2001