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On July 16, we honor and recognize the brave individuals who served in atomic testing programs and nuclear warfare during National Atomic Veterans Day. This day was established to commemorate the sacrifices made by these veterans and raise awareness about the long-term health effects they may have experienced. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of peace and diplomacy in our world. Let's take a moment to thank these courageous individuals for their service and remember their contributions to our nation's history.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1945</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Atomic Bomb Test</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United States conducts the first atomic bomb test, codenamed "Trinity," in New Mexico, initiating the atomic age.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1952</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Operation Ivy</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first full-scale test of a thermonuclear device, "Ivy Mike," takes place, marking a major escalation in nuclear weaponry.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1963</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Partial Test Ban Treaty</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United States, United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union agree to ban all nuclear detonations except those conducted underground, seeking to reduce radioactive fallout.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1983</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognition of Radiation Hazards</div><div class='timeline-text'>Research indicates that the radiation exposure from atomic testing leads to long-term health effects in veterans, leading to increased awareness and support systems.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1996</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty</div><div class='timeline-text'>An international treaty to completely ban nuclear tests is adopted by the United Nations to prevent further health risks and promote disarmament.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2017</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Atomic Veterans Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The U.S. Congress officially establishes July 16 as National Atomic Veterans Day to honor and recognize the sacrifices of atomic veterans.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a commemoration ceremony</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities and towns hold special ceremonies on National Atomic Veterans Day to honor and remember those who served in the military during atomic testing. Attend one of these events to pay your respects and learn more about the sacrifices made by these veterans.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a VA hospital or retirement home</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your appreciation for atomic veterans by volunteering at a VA hospital or retirement home. Spend time with these veterans, listen to their stories, and thank them for their service.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate others about atomic veterans</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spread awareness about National Atomic Veterans Day by educating others about the history and sacrifices of atomic veterans. Share information on social media, write a blog post, or host a discussion with friends and family.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a museum or exhibit</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to a museum or exhibit that focuses on atomic testing and its impact on veterans. This can be a powerful way to learn more about this important part of history and pay tribute to those who were affected by it.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a veteran support organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Support atomic veterans by donating to an organization that provides assistance and resources for veterans. This can be a meaningful way to honor their service and help make a positive impact in their lives.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honors the sacrifice and service of atomic veterans</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Atomic Veterans Day is an important day to recognize and honor the men and women who were involved in nuclear testing during their military service. These individuals played a crucial role in national defense, often at great risk to their own health.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness about the effects of nuclear testing</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Through National Atomic Veterans Day, we can educate others on the long-term effects of nuclear radiation exposure on both atomic veterans and civilian populations. This holiday serves as a reminder of the importance of preventing future harm from nuclear weapons and tests.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings attention to ongoing issues faced by atomic veterans</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Many atomic veterans continue to struggle with health issues related to their exposure, as well as discrimination and lack of recognition for their service. National Atomic Veterans Day serves as a platform for advocating for their rights and addressing these ongoing issues.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>16th of July Is Not Randomly Chosen</h3><p class='facts-content'>The date, July 16, commemorates the first detonation of an atomic bomb in 1945 as part of the "Trinity" test in New Mexico, marking the birth of the nuclear era.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>"Downwinders" Also Recognized</h3><p class='facts-content'>National Atomic Veterans Day also pays respect to civilians known as "downwinders," who were exposed to radiation fallout because of their geographical proximity to nuclear tests.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Millions Served During Atomic Testing Period</h3><p class='facts-content'>From 1945 to 1962, more than 200,000 servicemembers participated directly in atmospheric nuclear tests. Many others served in occupation forces in Hiroshima and Nagasaki or were held as POWs in Japan.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>National Association of Atomic Veterans Advocates for Them</h3><p class='facts-content'>The National Association of Atomic Veterans was formed in 1979 to pursue recognition and compensation for veterans affected by their exposure to nuclear radiation during service.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Recognition and Compensation Are Still Battles</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite the significant health effects suffered by many, it remains difficult for many atomic veterans to receive recognition or compensation due to the strict proof-of-exposure requirements by the VA.</p></div></div>
National Atomic Veterans Day is celebrated on July 16 every year. In 2024 National Atomic Veterans Day will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Jul 16
Sunday
2024
Jul 16
Tuesday
2025
Jul 16
Wednesday
2026
Jul 16
Thursday
2027
Jul 16
Friday
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