The Opinion Pages | NY Times - Letters Help Veterans Who Were Exposed to Radiation - Public Input -
The Opinion Pages | NY Times - Letters Help Veterans Who Were Exposed to Radiation - Public Input -
In two poignant letters to the editor, the harrowing realities of those who served on Enewetak Atoll during the United States' nuclear testing programs are brought to light. The authors, Michael Harris and an anonymous soldier, offer firsthand accounts from different eras, revealing the blatant disregard for the well-being of those who participated in these perilous missions.
Michael Harris, author of The Atomic Times: My H-Bomb Year at the Pacific Proving Ground, reflects on his time stationed on Enewetak Atoll in 1956, during the height of atomic testing. His letter paints a troubling picture of mismanagement and misinformation. Orders for radiation goggles were canceled, defective windows didn’t close during radiation threats, and soldiers were left in the dark about the true extent of the dangers they faced. Harris shares a chilling memory of Navy men leaving the island in body bags after cleaning up radioactive contamination, underscoring the human toll of these nuclear tests.
The second letter, penned by an anonymous soldier, recounts experiences from the late 1970s, when a new generation of soldiers was tasked with cleaning up the radioactive aftermath of those very tests. The soldier vividly recalls the jarring contrast between the meager attire of the troops and that of a visiting United States congressman, who was outfitted in a full anti-radiation "spacesuit." The troops, in stark comparison, worked in basic uniforms, unaware of the long-term health consequences they would face. This anonymous veteran's battle with testicular cancer highlights the serious risks associated with radiation exposure and raises pressing questions about the long-term health effects of their service.
Both letters point to a disturbing trend: the neglect and apathy toward the health and safety of the men who served on Enewetak. While their sacrifices were monumental, their suffering has been largely ignored. The authors call for recognition, justice, and medical care for these veterans, many of whom continue to battle health complications linked to radiation exposure. Their stories are a stark reminder of the urgent need for accountability and support from the government and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Through these voices, we are reminded of the forgotten heroes of Enewetak, who were sent to the Pacific to carry out dangerous missions without the necessary protection or transparency. Their plight is a call for action—one that demands the United States not only acknowledge their sacrifices but also provide them with the long-overdue care and compensation they so justly deserve.
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