Earth Day Beginnings
What started as a day of national environmental recognition has evolved through the combined efforts of the U.S. government, grassroots organizations, and individuals, into a worldwide celebration honoring the Earth.
At a conference in Seattle Washington, in September, 1969, U. S. Senator Gaylord Nelson (D-WI) announced that in the spring of 1970, there would be a nationwide grassroots demonstration for the environment.
Senator Nelson (1916-2005) had been an early voice rejecting the suggestion that economic development should take precedence over environmental protection, stating that, “The economy is a wholly owned subsidiary of the environment, not the other way around.”[4] When the former senator was awarded the Medal of Freedom in 1995, President Clinton said, “As the father of Earth Day, (Nelson) is the grandfather of all that grew out of that event: the Environmental Protection Act, the Clean Air Act, (and) the Safe Drinking Water Act.”[5]
In order to prepare for the event he had announced, Senator Nelson hired a youthful Denis Hayes [6] to coordinate coast-to-coast events for the first Earth Day. Later, Time magazine would select Hayes as one of its "Heroes of the Planet," and Look magazine would name him one of the 100 most influential Americans of the 20th Century. Today, Hayes is Honorary Chair of the Earth Day Network. [7]
American Heritage Magazine [8] called the first Earth Day, “one of the most remarkable happenings in the history of democracy …”
Senator Nelson said, "(The concept) was a gamble, but it worked,” and Earth Day thrust environmental issues squarely into the national agenda.
Thousands of colleges and universities participated, rallies were held throughout the nation, and Congress was shut down so members could speak at local events. A new, ecology flag was designed and flown. [9] Folksinger, Pete Seeger, was a keynote speaker and performer at the event held in Washington, D.C. Movie stars, Paul Newman and McGraw made headlines when they attended the event held in New York City. [10]
The outcry from the heart of America was heard, and heeded. Just a couple of months later, in July, 1970, President Nixon submitted the Environmental Protection Agency [11] plan to Congress; and the new agency came into being on December 2, 1970.
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