Chernobyl’s 22nd Anniversary

The 22nd anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear accident brings about contemplation and a surprising appeal from former area residents for worldwide happiness and peace.

April 26 is the 22nd anniversary of the accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Plant in northern Ukraine.I had planned to write a general post about this anniversary, but having somewhat of a personal stake in the aftermath of the accident has driven me in a different direction.

No, I was not at Chernobyl at the time of the accident, but I do have friends who are former residents of Pripyat, the city that used to be home to the Plant workers. I also have friends who are former liquidators, people who helped clean up the consequences of the disaster. I personally visited the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in 2006, and as fascinating as it is to see nature reclaim the area, it was also extremely sad to visit the former home of my friends.

Not everything about the Chernobyl anniversary needs to be gloomy and depressing. Many former Pripyat residents in Kyiv have created an international action titled "The Saved Planet." This action is an appeal for everyone around the world to make our planet a better, happier an peaceful place.

The action only asks that people stop for 10 minutes to say a prayer or merely have good, bright thoughts on April 26 from 1700 to 1710 GMT. If these people can find a way to turn part of a day of sorrow into a day of hope, then everyone else can do the same.

These Chernobyl victims are not allowing the horrible memory of that incident to rule the day. No, they have chosen part of the disaster’s anniversary to join together for a more positive worldwide outlook. If only everyone else could do the same thing.