Political Quotes

“as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and as the Senator from the great State of New Mexico, it is my honor to recognize all of the patriotic Americans who have contributed to 75 years of accomplishments and history at White Sands Missile Range, WSMR. In the final months of America's engagement in World War II and as the Manhattan Project's unprecedented scientific mission achieved its secret goal of harnessing nuclear power, the U.S. Army established the White Sands Proving Ground on July 9, 1945, in New Mexico's Tularosa Basin. Seven days later, the detonation of the first atomic bomb at the Trinity Site ushered in the nuclear era and began what would become three-quarters of a century of major scientific breakthroughs, critical weapons testing and evaluation, and military technology advances. We must acknowledge the sacrifices New Mexicans have made over the years that contributed to both the establishment and the enduring missions at WSMR. That includes the families whose historic homes and ranches were taken to create WSMR's land base. It includes local residents in the Tularosa Basin who were downwind from the Trinity test and whose lives continue to be impacted. It includes the local communities in southern New Mexico who play a vital role in supporting WSMR's success today. WSMR is a landmark of technological advances for all branches of the military.…”