WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall released the following statement on today's National Day of Remembrance for Nuclear Weapons Program Workers:

"Thousands of men and women served our country by supporting the nation's efforts at the dawn of the atomic age and during the Cold War. And in some cases they were exposed to dangerous levels of radiation, and unknowingly jeopardized their own health. Beyond scientists working on the Manhattan Project, there were many others affected - janitors, uranium miners, millers and maintenance workers. For far too many, their day-to-day jobs led to serious illness and premature death. I'm proud to honor the sacrifice these patriots and their families made for our nation. At the same time, we must continue working to ensure these Manhattan Project and Cold War veterans receive the care and compensation they deserve for their service."

Udall introduced a resolution in the U.S. Senate to designate today, October 30, 2015, as a national day of remembrance for nuclear weapons program workers, many of whom became sick from handling nuclear material. It passed the Senate last month, and was also supported by Senator Martin Heinrich. Text of the resolution is available here.