House Joint Memorial 8 requests the New Mexico Department of Transportation to establish a rest stop and memorial on United States Highway 380 at the entrance to the Trinity site near Bingham, New Mexico, in recognition of the upcoming eightieth anniversary of the first atomic weapon detonation on July 16, 2025. The memorial aims to honor the "downwinders," individuals from Socorro and Otero counties who were significantly affected by the detonation and have struggled for recognition of their sacrifices. The resolution highlights the lack of formal acknowledgment from the federal government regarding the contributions of these individuals and emphasizes the urgency of recognizing their legacy as the number of survivors dwindles.
The memorial will include an appropriate roadside informational plaque, which will be installed in consultation with relevant parties. Additionally, the Department of Transportation is requested to hold a dedication ceremony on July 16, 2025, to honor the downwinders and invite surviving individuals and families impacted by the detonation. Copies of the memorial will be sent to the governor, the secretary of transportation, and the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium to ensure awareness and support for this initiative.