Seventy-five years ago, thousands of American servicemen gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today. We are forever indebted to them, and we honor their memory and the supreme sacrifice they made on our behalf.
Those that returned following our victory in World War II, changing the course of history, went on to create the great middle class for working men and women in America. The freedoms they fought for included the right to have unions that were the conduit for better wages, benefits, and working conditions.
Today, we have the responsibility to continue the fight to protect the middle class they created for us. It is a debt of gratitude. Our members must be prepared like those brave souls in France in 1944 to carry one another when the need arises. It must not matter whether that member is new to your job site or shop, works in a different crew, doesn’t look like you, is a man, woman, transgender, straight, gay, black, white, brown - it doesn’t matter. That person is your brother. That person is your sister.
This is World Pride Month - denounce the hate and embrace the diversity that makes our union a great organization. There comes a time in everyone’s life when there is a need to be carried and a time to carry. Step up. He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother.
