Garden State Times

July 16 of each year may be known as Atomic Veterans Day, thanks to a joint resolution sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio and approved today by the Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.

“Veterans who participated in the nuclear tests of atomic weapons in the mid-twentieth century patriotically served this country, meeting the needs of national defense during a critical period in history,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “This legislation will honor the important role these unique service members played in the defense of our nation.”

Approximately 250,000 veterans of the United States, including residents of New Jersey, witnessed and participated in at least 235 atmospheric nuclear weapons tests. In total, there are more than 550,000 radiation-exposed veterans and 46,000 of them have died.

Many Atomic Veterans were prevented by secrecy laws or oaths from seeking medical care or disability compensation from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for conditions they may have developed as a result of radiation exposure.

Conditions linked to exposure include cancer of the esophagus, gall bladder, pancreas, pharynx, salivary gland, small intestine, stomach, and thyroid.

Pennacchio’s joint resolution, SJR-19, designates July 16 of each year as Atomic Veterans Day in New Jersey to honor the American military service members who participated in nuclear tests of atomic weapons between 1945 and 1962.