10 LC 38 1051

Senate Resolution 1084

By: Senators Shafer of the 48th, Douglas of the 17th, Mullis of the 53rd, Thompson of the 5th, Stoner of the 6th and others

A RESOLUTION

Urging the United States Congress to pass legislation authorizing the creation of a special United States Atomic Service Medal to honor Atomic Veterans; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, nuclear atmospheric and underwater tests conducted from 1945 to 1962 utilized hundreds of thousands of American service personnel from every branch of the armed forces; and

WHEREAS, these Atomic Veterans helped provide the answers for the scientists, researchers, and government policy makers on the unknowns and effects of ionizing radiation; and

WHEREAS, the technical data and knowledge gathered from this nuclear testing provided this nation's military with superiority in nuclear weapons deterrents, the most modern and safest nuclear power generating plants, nuclear powered fleet ships, and a host of modern technological advances in the field of nuclear medicines from which all Americans have benefited; and

WHEREAS, these Atomic Veterans served in hazardous areas and were exposed to the then unknown factors of Alpha, Beta, and Gamma radiation in the performance of their duties; and

WHEREAS, in 2002, President George W. Bush in a nationwide statement said that the atomic veteran’s exposure to nuclear radiation was as grave as any war veteran who was wounded in action, where in both cases the veteran stood in harm's way, did their duty, and protected the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, the United States has not adequately recognized the important contributions and terrible sacrifices made by our nation's Atomic Veterans.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body urge the United States Congress to pass legislation requested by the American Legion and other veterans organizations authorizing the creation of a special United States Atomic Service Medal.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to the American Legion and to members of the Georgia delegation to the United States Congress.