MEDIA ADVISORY
For immediate release: Contact: Dave
Kraft, (773)342-7650
April 23, 2011
25TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHORNOBYL DISASTER MEMORIAL TO TAKE PLACE
AT HENRY MOORE SCULPTURE TO ATOMIC ENERGY – BIRTHPLACE OF ATOMIC AGE
Chornobyl, Fukushima chilling reminders of the horrors of the so-called “peaceful atom”
What:
a one-hour memorial ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster, and the recent Fukushima, Japan nuclear catastrophe. After short remarks, a memorial bouquet and banners will be dedicated, and 25 candles lit to the sound of a gong, one strike for each year since the tragedy.
The ceremony will end at 5 p.m., followed by an optional tour of the photo exhibition, “After Chernobyl”, from 5-6 p.m.; and a first time Chicago screening of the French/German documentary, “Déchets – Waste”, about corruption in the French nuclear waste disposal system, at 7:00 p.m., Harper Memorial 103 (HM103), 1116 East 59th St., Chicago, IL 60637.
Why:these dual nuclear disasters are stark reminders of how unforgiving and reckless nuclear power is. Even in the wake of both tragedies, affecting hundreds of thousands of people worldwide, policy makers and industry PR hacks alike continue the clamor for more nuclear power without even waiting for the promised analyses of the Fukushima disaster to be conducted. It seems the world learned nothing from the Chornobyl disaster. It seems fitting to call for a nuclear reckoning — at the very site where the Nuclear Age began in December, 1942.
When: Monday, April 25, 2011, from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. The ceremony will take place at 4:23 p.m., marking to the minute the beginning of the Chornobyl disaster 25 years ago.
Where:
At the Henry Moore Sculpture to Atomic Energy, on S. Ellis Avenue, between 56th and 57th Streets, on the University of Chicago Campus, Hyde Park, Chicago.
Who:
the event is sponsored by Nuclear Energy Information Service, a 30-year old nuclear power watchdog and safe-energy advocate, with cooperation from faculty and students at the University of Chicago. Speakers will include:
- Dave Kraft, Director, Nuclear Energy Information Service
- Dr. Norma Field, Robert S.
Ingersoll Distinguished Srvc. Professor in Japanese Studies East Asian Languages & Civilizations - Members of the public so moved to comment
NOTE: This is the first of a series of events for Chornobyl Week here in Chicago. Consult the NEIS website and Calendar for the details of the other events.
