New memorial commemorates Trinity Test Downwinders
New Mexico downwinders now eligible for compensation from RECA
The day is commemorated every year at the Trinity Site. But this year, the New Mexicans who suffered the brunt of that first nuclear test, celebrated a milestone of their own.
'It must have been right here someplace,' said Mela Armijo as she searched for the home she grew up in, not far from the world's first atomic explosion on New Mexico's White Sands Missile Range.
'We were the closest ones of anybody,' said Armijo.
Armijo sharing just how much the explosion cost her family, 'My whole family is gone with cancer.'
But today, finally after decades of fighting for recognition, cries of celebration among generations of New Mexicans who say they've suffered because they lived downwind.
'But today we come together in joy, in gladness, to reflect upon all that we've lost.' said Tina Cordova, Co-founder of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium.
Cordova led other victims in unveiling a new sign near the Trinity Site entrance.
'We remember the mothers and fathers who passed too soon. The children who never grew up,' said Representative Joanne Ferrary, (D) Las Cruces.
For decades, New Mexicans have been fighting to be added to the RECA list or Radiation Exposure Compensation Act.
The state was finally added in the so called 'Big Beautiful Bill'.
The provision covers leukemia claims related to the Trinity Test in New Mexico. Uranium miners who worked from 1942 to 1990 are also covered. If a family member has already passed, the family can apply on their behalf. It also increases the compensation amount up to $100,000.
'We've had sop many disappointments, but it was all worth it,' said Louise Lopez, Downwwinder.
'And through her efforts we've accomplished so much and we have more to work on,' said Bernice Gutierrez, Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium.
A map is located on one sie of the sign, to give a glimpse into how many people were living near the Trinity Site in 1945. The maps' creator, Bryan Kendall, was a student at the University of New Mexico four years ago when it was created.
'I saw person after person come up to the map and point, saying 'Hey I'm from here',' said Kendall.
All families bonded by a chapter of our state's history.
'All of our families have suffered these harrowing cancers. They are real, they are painful, no one wants this,' said one downwinder.
White Sands Missile Range said today's 80th anniversary of the Trinity Site Test marks a new era in scientific acheivment.
The 51,500 acre Trinity Site area was declared a national historic landmark in 1975.
In a statement, the missile range said this test not only led to the end of the war in the Pacific but also ushered the world into the atomic age.
The Trinity Site used to be open to the public twice a year. One day in April and one day in October. It is now only open once a year on the third Saturday in October.
The movie, 'Oppenheimer' has also been drawing in bigger crowds.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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