HR1122: HR1122 The Thiokol Chemical Corporation explosion of 1971; memorializing the victims; condolences

26 LC 129 0760 House Resolution 1122 By: Representatives Jackson of the 68th, Schofield of the 63rd, Scott of the 76th, Davis of the 87th, and Mitchell of the 88th A RESOLUTION Memorializing the victims of the Thiokol Chemical Corporation explosion of 1971; and for1 other purposes.2 WHEREAS, on February 3, 1971, at approximately 10:53 a.m., the ground trembled in the3 City of Woodbine, Georgia, and across the Southeast as a catast rophic fiery explosion4 engulfed Building M-132 at the Thiokol Chemical Corporation plant; and 5 WHEREAS, the force of the blast was felt as far away as Jackson ville, Florida, and6 Brunswick, Georgia, marking one of the worst industrial disasters in the history of the United7 States, alongside the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire and the West Fertilizer Plant explosion;8 and 9 WHEREAS, this tragedy claimed the lives of 29 dedicated workers –a majority of whom10 were Black women–and left at least 50 others with life-altering injuries, leaving a legacy of11 trauma that haunted survivors and the Woodbine community for decades; and 12 WHEREAS, these workers were more than employees; they were patriots and providers who13 sought these roles to lift their families out of poverty during an era when domestic and14 agricultural jobs were the only other options available to them; and15 H. R. 1122 - 1 - 26 LC 129 0760 WHEREAS, the aftermath of this disaster catalyzed pivotal chang es in American law and16 safety, including the creation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)17 just months later to ensure safe working conditions for all Americans; and18 WHEREAS, the legal battle following the explosion lasted 17 yea rs and led to significant19 advancements in tort reform, which ultimately provided the lega l framework used to20 compensate victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks; and21 WHEREAS, the tragedy transformed emergency response forever, triggering the transition22 from private ambulance services to the modern Fire-EMS systems we rely on today; and23 WHEREAS, it is only fitting and proper that the State of Georgi a honors the memory of24 those who perished and acknowledges the profound impact their sacrifice had on the safety25 and justice systems of our nation.26 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that27 the members of this body join in memorializing the victims of t he Thiokol chemical28 explosion and express their deepest sympathy to the families and the Woodbine community.29 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following individuals are hereb y remembered for30 their service and sacrifice: Gertrude Anderson, Mary Alice Baker, Emma Lou Barton, Kathy31 Marie Barton, Peggy Barton, Clementine Benett, Pauline S. Benso n, Annie Ruth Booth,32 Yvonne D. Booth, Ethel L. Brown, Lacy C. Brown, Mable L. Brown, Marie H. Brown,33 Altamease S. Coakley, Irene W. Free, Ethelyne B. Gathers, Hester L. Gathers, Catherene G.34 Graham, Ida May Hall, Thelma Hammon, Mamie L. Kemp, Celia S. Mi ller, Elizabeth35 Moore, Annie Bell Nelson, Gladys V. Nelson, Cena Mae S. Sheffie ld, Thelma G. Sifford,36 Sallie G. Thompson, and Leola S. Williams.37 H. R. 1122 - 2 - 26 LC 129 0760 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized38 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the39 Thiokol Memorial Museum, the public, and the press.40 H. R. 1122 - 3 -