Deseret News Editorial
Thursday, February 01, 2001Remembering the Downwinder
It's been 50 years since the United States government initiated open-air tests of nuclear weapons at the Nevada test site.
The health histories of people who lived and worked downwind of the test site and uranium miners who extracted the radioactive element from the earth are now well documented. Many suffered cancer and other maladies as a result of their exposure to open-air tests and uranium. Although the federal government knew of many of the risks, the people now known as Downwinders, and the uranium miners, were not warned of the possible dangers.
The Utah Legislature's recent observance of this unfortunate page in this nation's history through a resolution calling for a day of remembrance is most appropriate. Utah must remember the sacrifices of these accidental patriots who played a role in this nation's defense during the Cold War era.
The difference was, these men and women had no idea that their health could be compromised by the tests or by mining for a heavy metal used to fuel weapons of destruction. Their sacrifices should be duly noted so that future generations do not repeat them. The "Resolution for a Day of Remembrance" expresses hope for peace, justice, healing, reconciliation and the "fervent desire and commitment to assure that such a legacy will never be repeated." These are important sentiments, which should be commemorated in the form of a resolution.
While a resolution does not carry the heft of reparations, which was made possible through federal legislation that was spurred by the reporting of Deseret News Washington correspondent Lee Davidson and several other staffers over the years, it is an important acknowledgement of the sacrifices of ordinary citizens who became "active participants" in the nation's nuclear testing program.