CLEVELAND, August 29 — For the past 13 years, BLET member Ben Lee has volunteered to help organize the annual Labor Day Parade in Charlotte, N.C. But this year’s parade promises to be like no other.
This year, the parade takes on a national significance as it will be held just prior to the opening of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte on September 3. It’s a point of pride for Brother Lee and the many other BLET members who have participated in the event since 1999.
“Many parade participants and viewers will go immediately to Carolina Fest, a festival put on by the DNC Host Committee,” said Brother Lee, who is Local Chairman of Division 166 (Charlotte, N.C.). For the past eight years, Brother Lee has volunteered as Chairman of the Charlotte Labor Day Parade.
Organized in conjunction with local labor organizations and the Southern Piedmont Central Labor Council, this year””s parade will honor the accomplishments of organized labor in America and in Charlotte. This year””s parade will feature labor organizations, bands, political candidates, and community groups.
Brother Lee thanked the active and retired members of Division 166 who have volunteered over the years to help with the parade, including: Don Woods, Jim McLaughlin, Ira Alexander, Roger Thomason, and the late Hector Denobili. “My wife Rose-Ann and daughters Mary and Serena worked hard on the parade, and Kim and Courtney Rogers, wife and daughter of member Marvin Rogers, were always there to help,” Brother Lee said.
Lee hired out on the Seaboard Coast Line as a fireman in 1971, and he joined BLET Division 435 (Hamlet, N.C.) in 1972. He has served as Local Chairman of Division 166 in Charlotte since 1983.
“Always remember those who fought, suffered, and died for our worker rights, the 40 hour week, the weekends, retirement, and health care; and please never take it for granted,” Brother Lee said.