Web posted
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Fundraiser for atomic veterans
Kansas state Reps. Ed Trimmer, D-Winfield, and David Crum, R-Augusta, co-sponsored legislation during the current session to honor "atomic veterans" by naming a portion of Highway 400 for them.
The legislation was passed with a unanimous vote in both the House and Senate and was signed by Gov. Sebelius in April.
Atomic tests began in 1945 and were discontinued in 1963. During that time more than 225,000 service men and women were exposed to harmful alpha, beta and gamma radiation. The exposure was made public by the U.S. government in 1988, but the individuals involved were sworn to secrecy until 1996. At that time, they asked for simple recognition but were denied because they were told medals were usually awarded at the time of the service. Today, only about 23,000 survive.
The stretch of road begins at the junction of highways 77, 54 and 400, and extends to the eastern edge of Butler County. The section of highway was chosen because it is close to the home of Gary Thornton, of Leon, who has been active in seeking recognition for "atomic veterans."
The highway runs through both the 77th and 78th Kansas House Districts which Crum and Trimmer represent, respectively.
During the 2007 session, Trimmer sponsored legislation requesting the U.S. Congress strike a medal recognizing "atomic veterans" for their service to their country. While the necessary legislation was introduced at the national level, it is still in committee.
"These individuals are not asking for a medal of honor or for compensation," said Trimmer. "They have asked only for a service medal that would simply recognize their existence. More recognition is routinely given for completing boot camp."
"We can't make the U.S. Congress, the Department of Defense or the president act on the issue of medals," Trimmer said, "but we can recognize these individuals at the state level by naming this stretch of highway in their honor."
Because the Kansas Department of Transportation requires that signs for the highway be paid for through private funding, a fundraising campaign has begun to raise the $1,400 required to purchase and maintain the signs. Contributions can be made to:
The Atomic Veterans Highway Fund, Home National Bank, P.O. Box 518, Winfield, KS 67156. For additional information, contact Rep. Ed Trimmer, 1402 E. Ninth, Winfield, KS 67156, (620) 221-7146, or trimmer@house.state.ks.us.
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