WELDON SPRING, MO (KTVI - FOX2now.com) -
A first of its kind ceremony was held Friday night honoring people who helped develop America's first nuclear weapons program. Many died from cancer after being exposed to radiation. The event in Weldon Spring honored both those who died and those who are still alive. Many honored at the ceremony worked for Mallinckrodt at plants in north St. Louis and in Weldon Spring. Some helped develop the atomic bomb.
Mike Lang said his father, John, worked at the plant off of Destrehan in north St. Louis as the foreman in charge of the uranium department. John died of cancer that his family thinks he got from the uranium exposure.
For some former workers the memorial was about recognizing those who've already passed away. Paul Mitchell also worked at the north St. Louis plant. He says he's beaten cancer twice.
Organizer Denise Brock says some five billion dollars nationwide has been given to nuclear workers and their families to help compensate for their illnesses.
Brock believes more Missouri workers are eligible for compensation from the government.
Mike Lang said his father, John, worked at the plant off of Destrehan in north St. Louis as the foreman in charge of the uranium department. John died of cancer that his family thinks he got from the uranium exposure.
For some former workers the memorial was about recognizing those who've already passed away. Paul Mitchell also worked at the north St. Louis plant. He says he's beaten cancer twice.
Organizer Denise Brock says some five billion dollars nationwide has been given to nuclear workers and their families to help compensate for their illnesses.
Brock believes more Missouri workers are eligible for compensation from the government.
