Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Rose Gottemoeller represented the United States at the Remembrance Day commemoration of the Castle Bravo nuclear test on March 1, 1954. This year was the 60th anniversary of the test, and it was fitting that the Under Secretary attended the event which was covered by the international media. At 15 megatons, the Bravo test “shot” was the largest test ever conducted by the United States.
At the Remembrance Day commemoration Under Secretary Gottemoeller acknowledged the tests are as of our shared history and that we stand with the Marshall Islands in remembering those affected by the tests. Later during a visit to Kili Atoll with President Loeak, she noted that our best tribute is to continue working towards President Obama’s goal of a world without nuclear weapons – a sentiment echoed earlier by President Loeak when he said “We must rid the world of nuclear weapons and we will work with our friends until it happens.”
During her two and a half day visit to the Marshall Islands, Under Secretary Gottemoeller also visited the displaced Bikini community on Ejit, and spoke with numerous Bikinians, mayors from atolls affected by the tests, and other Marshallese, and dignitaries, allowing her to hear a sweep of memories, opinions, thoughts, and reflections about the past- and the future. As the highest ranking U.S. government official ever to attend a Remembrance Day commemoration, Rose Gottemoeller will bring back this visit’s outcomes to the highest levels within the Department of State.
