A Time To Remember

by Xusha Tue Apr 26, 2011 10:38 am

April 26, 1986, Ukraine. Reactor number four of the Chernobyl plant undergoes routine tests. A sudden, unexpected power surge called for an emergency shutdown, to prevent something terrible from happening, which only caused a chain of explosions, which led to the worst nuclear disaster in our history. Hundreds of thousands were evacuated, but it wasn't enough. Thirty one people died in this accident, but that wasn't the end of it. Many of the people evacuated, and surrounding people in Russia, and Belarus mostly, have died since. It has been predicted to be just shy of a million deaths in this horrible event. So many people had to help, but the wreckage and heartbreak may never go away. I'd like to show you some photos taken twenty five years later, in 2011.

Spoiler:

April 26, 2011. Twenty five years later, the effects of this disaster are still clear. A lot has happened over this time, and times have drastically changed, but we as people need to remember the past. We need to remember to savor life, and to put our petty differences aside. I've seen a lot of drama at TR recently, but I think that reminding people of the bad mistakes of the past, that we can look ahead and see how to improve the future.

Now, on a personal note. While I wasn't alive at this time, my Grandfather was. Most of his family died shortly after being evacuated from Pripyat, the city most affected by this disaster. He took this hard, and became desensitized. I could never understand his cruelty until I met another one of my relatives that had survived, my Great Aunt. She told me a lot about how they had issued gas masks and the things that won't be in the history books, such as the people too tired to continue were left behind. This changed my outlook on most of his side of the family. Those left were survivors. Even though they've all since died due to age, their memory lives on in me. I'd like to share a dedication from the 2009 winner of Ukraine's Got Talent, Kseniya Simonova, something she calls Eternal Tears. Thank you for your time, and don't forget the past.

by **Tim Hortans** Tue Apr 26, 2011 11:06 am

This is a nice post and you should feel nice.

by **DigDog** Tue Apr 26, 2011 11:14 am

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.

We shall not forget.

by Guest Tue Apr 26, 2011 11:19 am

Ohmygod, I saw that woman on youtube doing stuff on WWII a year or so ago. She is awesome.

On a less... non... condole... gah, what would be appropriate... on a... uhm... ON A MORE RESPECTFUL NO- ......................... I think I messed that up.

On a slightly more respectful note, even though I'd never heard of that disaster until just now, it seems truly saddening...

Also what Tim said.

by Xusha Tue Apr 26, 2011 11:26 am

Weena wrote: On a slightly more respectful note, even though I'd never heard of that disaster until just now, it seems truly saddening...

I'm glad I could share this with you then. Sometimes we need to see what exactly humans are capable of. We have a lot to be proud of, but when you see things like this... It makes you think twice about the "Nuke them all!" attitude a lot of people seem to have.

by Guest Tue Apr 26, 2011 11:35 am

So true...

by Mrsebi Tue Apr 26, 2011 2:48 pm

I think the nuke them all attitude isn't bad due to Chernobyl, but rather Nagasaki and Hiroshima? 200,000+ deaths on impact and following after-effects.
Chernobyl was bad, very bad, but Japan was the one technically ''nuked'' so to speak.
Tsutomu Yamaguchi managed to survive both bombings though, pretty lucky guy considering he lived to 93.
The resulting radiation from Chernobyl was worse though, I am thankful it did not happen in Japan.

by Peregrine Tue Apr 26, 2011 3:44 pm

Thank you for this Xusha.

by Shadz Tue Apr 26, 2011 5:22 pm

Thanks for that Xusha. Never forget

by Xusha Tue Apr 26, 2011 5:46 pm

Mrsebi wrote:I think the nuke them all attitude isn't bad due to Chernobyl, but rather Nagasaki and Hiroshima

Well, yes, of course. That is a valid point. Japan's incident was intentional, but you have to keep in mind that nobody could forget it. Chernobyl is a much forgotten event in most of the world, being that people don't want to think of such a huge accident. People want to think everything works as planned, when the truth is, it doesn't always.

by **Darre** Tue Apr 26, 2011 6:20 pm

Thanks for this post Xusha. One of the most terrible events of the 1900's (besides the two world wars obviously) still truly is effecting those locally and leaving a lasting impact worldwide. And to think an area that used to house thousands of people will be uninhabitable for the rest of time as we know it.

by **Tom Gaskarth** Tue Apr 26, 2011 11:15 pm

*sniffles*
Thank you..
Puts a lot of things into perspective.

by **Juliana** Wed Apr 27, 2011 12:32 am

Every high school student in the state of California is required to spend a week studying Chernobyl, so I at least knew about what happened. Never saw anything like those pictures, though... and never heard how many people died...

by Draktand Wed Apr 27, 2011 2:56 am

We shall not forget.
Edit: Yay I removed the 3333 numbah!

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