IL SR0799

Designates July 16, 2024 as Atomic Veterans Day in Illinois to honor servicemen and women exposed to nuclear radiation during active duty.

Recognizes approximately 400,000 U.S. servicemen from the Army, Navy, and Marines who were present during atmospheric nuclear tests conducted between 1946 and 1962, either as witnesses or cleanup crew members.

Acknowledges Illinois's role in the Manhattan Project, including the development of Chicago Pile-1, the world's first artificial nuclear reactor, which achieved criticality on December 2, 1942 at the University of Chicago.

Notes that Argonne National Laboratory, located in Lemont, Illinois, was formally chartered on July 1, 1946 and played a key role in nuclear research and development for the nation's peaceful nuclear energy program.

Honors the achievements and sacrifices of military personnel who experienced nuclear radiation exposure while serving their country.