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On Tuesday, two separate events in Majuro marked the 51st
anniversary of the Bravo hydrogen bomb test. The survivors
group ERUB sponsored a parade and event of speeches in front
of the Rongelap and Bikini local government offices, while a
national government-supported event commemorated the
anniversary with a parade and event at the capital building.
The official ceremony at the capital, broadcast live on
V7AB, included speeches by RMI government VIPs, elected
representatives of four nuclear test affected atolls and US
Ambassador Greta Morris. Assumption High School students
displayed exhibits they had prepared about the Bravo test
and its impact on the Marshall Islands.
Speeches from elected and traditional leaders — including
Enewetak Senator Ismael John, Rongelap Mayor James Matayoshi
and Iroij Imata Kabua — and visitors from other parts of the
world, including the Ukraine, Vieques in Puerto Rico, the
United States and Guam highlighted the ERUB gathering. Many
survivors also added their own personal testimony.
People asked why ERUB is doing a second program, ERUB
president Rokko Langinbelik said Tuesday. It’s because the
official Nuclear Survivors Day program organizers would not
allow a survivor to speak in the main part of the program,
she said.
Last year, survivors were put second to last well after
the official morning program had ended, she said.
Langinbelik said that the government should recognize the
voice of the survivors.
Will ‘Survivors’ become ‘Victims’
Bill 49 has been introduced to amend the Public Holidays
Act by making two changes to the March 1 Bravo holiday.
If approved, the name of the holiday would be changed
from “Memorial Day and Nuclear Survivors Remembrance Day” to
“Memorial Day and Nuclear Victims Remembrance Day
Commemorations.” |
