To Those Who Served
A monolithic tribute to those who worked at Hanford during World War II now peacefully stands where cattle freely roamed a century ago in the desert of Eastern Washington. The Hanford workers…scientists, engineers, technicians, craftsmen, operators, and administrators…were instrumental in providing resources which helped to end World War II. Their knowledge, skill, and dedication are recognized, remembered, and commemorated by the preservation of the worlds first production reactor. Now an historic artifact and museum, the B-Reactor was added to the National Register of Historic Places (#92000245) on April 3, 1992, and was named a National Historic Landmark on August 19, 2008.
Monolithic structures
rose from the desert sand,
shrouded in secrecy,
protection for our land.
The fires of hell, some said,
of outcomes not yet seen,
a danger to mankind,
a science said unclean.
Yet, many labored there
to build the monoliths,
harvest the elements,
and shatter ancient myths.
It was the leading edge
for science of that day.
Responsibly cautious,
they entered war’s foray.
To face that distant war,
conflict in far off lands,
they knew they must not lose
they must meet war’s demands.
Despite their shrouded days,
some suffered from their work,
the price for victory,
but still they did not shirk.
They provided a way
to fin’lly end that war,
saving uncounted lives
on that far distant shore.
One monolith still stands
on land they helped defend,
remem’bring those who served
in war they’d helped to end.
[Disclosure: The author was an administrator with the Atomic Energy Commission and its successor agencies at Hanford from 1947 to 1978 and was personally acquainted with many of those who served there during World War II and the subsequent Cold War.]