Atomic Veterans Receive Official State Recognition
Senator Greg Ball presented Mahopac resident and atomic veteran Edward Gettler with a New York State Resolution declaring July 15, 2012 as Atomic Veterans Day in the State of New York.
Between 1945 and 1963, the United States conducted some 235 atmospheric nuclear weapons tests in the Pacific Ocean and the American Southwest. There were over 220,000 American service men and women who witnessed and participated in these tests, or served in forces occupying Hiroshima and Nagasaki immediately following World War II.
Ball said that Atomic Veterans’ Day is a day dedicated to those patriotic Americans who,through their participation in these tests, helped lead the United States to the forefront of technology in defense of the freedoms we as Americans hold so dear.
“Very few people realize the silent sacrifices made by heroes like Ed and their families. This resolution shows our support to our Atomic Veterans who literally put their lives on the line to protect our freedom. I praise Edward Gettler for his service and for helping to make this possible,” said Senator Ball who Chairs the Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs. “America is not a great country because of its politicians, it’s a great country because of veterans like Ed.”
Gettler, who has worked to seek national recognition of the sacrifices made by the members of the U.S. Military who are atomic veterans; many of whom are believed to have been exposed to radiation and suffered health problems later on in life.
“I want the American people to know about Atomic Veterans and I want them to know what we did. So many times I have been in a store with my cap or jacket on and people ask me what an atomic veteran is. The general public is unaware of what we did as a community of Atomic Veterans,” Gettler said. “I was greatly moved by this resolution, this is a milestone in my life. When I called upon Senator Ball he listened and took action.”
