International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons is a holiday whose name says it all about its intended purpose. This is a day on which people all over the world are encouraged to do their part towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons. Since nuclear weapons testing began in July of 1945, over 2,000 tests all over the world have taken place.

These tests were not only detrimental to the environment, but the constant fear of nuclear warfare is something that humanity would be better off not having to deal with. So the United Nations encourages everyone to think about the consequences of nuclear warfare and to do their part to encourage their politicians to steer away from destructive nuclear weapons.

The History Of International Day For The Total Elimination Of Nuclear Weapons

This day was first declared in December 2013 thanks to UN Resolution 68/32. This proclamation was a follow-up to the meeting of the General Assembly on nuclear disarmament that was held in New York City on September 26, 2013.

This was the last in a series of efforts by the United Nations General Assembly to raise the public’s awareness about nuclear weapons and why nuclear disarmament is a very important matter to consider.

Quick Facts About Nuclear Weapons

Below are some facts about nuclear weapons we would like to pass along to everyone reading about this holiday. Hopefully, it proves to be informative.

• Two Mark 39 Hydrogen bombs were accidentally released from a B-52 over Goldsboro, North Carolina in 1961. They were never found.
• Each nuclear missile launch crew controls 10 Minuteman III ICBMs.
• The U.S. has lost 11 nuclear bombs in total that have never been recovered.
• The U.S. had 950 nuclear weapons stationed in South Korea during the Cold War.

Observing International Day For The Total Elimination Of Nuclear Weapons

On this day, people can work towards nuclear disarmament by holding events that raise the public’s attention about nuclear weapons, by airing their grievances with their local politicians, or simply by using the hashtag #InternationalDayForEliminatingNuclearWeapons on their social media accounts.