Exposing the Deadly Legacy of Nuclear Weapons Tests on U.S. Soil
LAS VEGAS, NV – TheInvisibleEnemy.org will host a free screening of the powerful film Downwind on Saturday May 11 th at 3:00 p.m. at the Center for the Arts at Kayenta, at 881 Coyote Gulch Court in Ivins, UT 84738, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with moderator Stephanie DeGraw, St George News. Reservations: https://kayentaarts.org/
Downwind exposes the tragic, ongoing consequences of 982 nuclear detonations that took place on the Nevada Test Site (NTS) from 1951 to 1992. During this time, the NTS was the epicenter of U.S. nuclear weapons research and testing.
Each detonation released toxic radiation and materials that contaminated thousands of square miles of the surrounding environment and endangered millions of people who lived and worked downwind of the NTS.
Directors Mark Shapiro and Douglas Brian Miller document the catastrophic, often deadly effects of these tests on generations of Americans, many of whom are still seeking adequate medical care, reparations and justice from the U.S. government.
The screening will be hosted by TheInvisibleEnemy.org, a non-profit organization representing military and civilian personnel who were and still are based on the sprawling Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR), which includes various classified locations.
Like the “downwinders” featured in the film, many of these personnel and their families were unknowingly exposed to toxic radiation and chemicals from nuclear testing. Many have suffered from cancers, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease and other serious health issues.
Many women have experienced miscarriages. Many of their children have been born with birth defects. Their family members and friends have also been afflicted. And many of these victims have died from their illnesses.
TheInvisibleEnemy.org is leading the fight to create federal legislation that guarantees comprehensive medical care and just financial compensation to help these victims cope with health issues, disabilities, and the loss of loved ones.
“Thousands of downwinders have been struggling with similar issues for more than 70 years,” said Dave Crete, Air Force Veteran and Chairman of The Invisible Enemy. “And they’ve been all but ignored by the government that conducted hundreds of nuclear tests and caused all of these problems in the first place.“Yet there’s no accountability,” he added. “It’s irresponsible and unacceptable.”
Downwind also features the talents of three Hollywood luminaries: Academy Award-winning actor Michael Douglas, Executive Producer Matthew Modine and narrator, Martin Sheen. Noted film critic and historian Leonard Maltin wrote, “I urge you to check out Downwind. It’s a compelling and sobering documentary.”
After the screening, Stephanie DeGraw of the St George News will moderate a discussion of Downwind with guest panelists Dave Crete, Mark Shapiro, Carmen Valdez, Policy Associate, HEAL Utah, Cary MacArthur and Delna Gates, as well as Claudia Peterson who shared her personal story in the film. The audience will be able to join the discussion, ask questions and learn more about what is being done for those who continue to live downwind.
Admission is FREE, for reservations: https://kayentaarts.org/
