National Day of Atomic Remembrance Celebration

On Wednesday, July 16 at 12:00 noon, the Branson Veterans Task Force will observe Atomic Remembrance Day at the Golden Corral, 3551 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. Following lunch provided by the restaurant, those who take part will attend the Rotary Meeting with special guests, The Original Comets, now playing at the American Bandstand Theater.

The ceremony commemorates the 63rd anniversary of the birth of the atomic bomb and recognizes all veterans who have been exposed to radiation in the line of military duty. In 2002, President George W. Bush declared July 16th as a national day for all military groups and veterans associated with nuclear programs.

Since July 16, 1945, 1,100+ nuclear weapon devices have been detonated by the U. S. More than 900 atomic detonation tests were in the State of Nevada. Two underground tests were on the outskirts of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Three were in the Aleutian Islands, while two were underwater tests off the coast of California. The remaining atmospheric tests were at select sites in the central and western Pacific Ocean. During this 63-year period, more than 450,000 U. S. military and civilian personnel participated in the U. S. sponsored atomic weapons tests, all chosen for the purposes of development, enhancement and testing of America’s nuclear program.

BVTF Board Member Dawn Easton is the chairperson for this event. The Branson Veterans Task Force holds activities year-round to commemorate important events in our history and to honor our veterans. The BVTF office is located at 138 Pointe Royale Drive in Branson. To contact the office call 417.337.8387 (417.337.VETS) or visit www.bransonveterans.com.