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During the early years of the Cold War, specifically between 1946 and 1958, about 900 Canadian soldiers were ordered to participate in “War Games” in the Nevada desert. These manœuvres involved the troops sitting in trenches while - a few thousand yards away - 60 kiloton nuclear warheads were detonated. A few moments later, the soldiers were ordered to advance towards ground zero while radioactive fallout rained down among them. The soldiers were told that it was perfectly safe.
Sadly, it is thought fewer than fifty per cent of these veterans remain alive. Those still around suffer from a wide variety of cancers and other radiogenic diseases. More, their children often bear the brunt of genetic mutations passed from irradiated fathers.
Since the 1980s these veterans have been fighting for recognition and compensation from the Canadian government - but had gone largely ignored by both Conservative and Liberal governments, as well as the Defense Department. By contrast, the U.S. grants a $75,000 payment to veterans (or their widows) who had suffered and died from these tests.
Apparently the GC had recently offered payments of $24,000 - which defense officials have said are in line with the compensation offered to veterans exposed to mustard gas and other chemicals during tests in the Second World War as well as those who were exposed to Agent Orange at military bases in Canada. The veterans have rejected this offer and are now sueing the government.
I recently watched a French documentary on this issue, which is why I mention it. I think it’s a shame that our government ignored and stone-walled these guys for so long. It wouldn’t even admit that our troops were put in danger nor recognize their sacrifice.
Posted by Aaron on January 15, 2008, 11:54 am permalink top | general
That just pisses me off. How can they possibly do tests that endanger human lives only to turn a bling eye to those who suffer the rest of the lives for the cause? As you mention, their kids are affected and it could potentially ruin an entire family bloodline. It is terrible!
What was the documentary you saw? I’m sure my dad would be interested in watching that, as would I.
I remember an old movie I watched which was about this issue (not possibly about the Canadians, but it about the tests) and it was quite interesting. I unfortunately don’t remember the name though.