By Dennis R. Pierce
BLET National President
CLEVELAND, May 27 — Memorial Day is the day when we Americans pay special tribute to our veterans and soldiers for defending our country and our way of life.
We have many BLET members who are active duty soldiers serving America overseas, and I am proud of the job they do. And, of course, the BLET has many veterans who faithfully served our nation in the past.
I am also proud of the work done by our Local Chairmen and General Chairmen; they enforce contracts and protect members’ rights, so that our veterans have good, union jobs to come home to when their tours of duty are over. Likewise, our State Legislative Board Chairman fight to improve the health and safety aspects of our working conditions through strong laws and regulations.
While Memorial Day is a holiday intended for veterans, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the loss suffered by our BLET family thus far in 2011. It has been a difficult year to say the least. Five of our Brothers have given their lives in the line of duty. I extend my most heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends of Stanley L. Watts, 43, Thomas J. Kenny, 58, Tom Anderson, 48, Christopher L. Carter, 57, and J.G. Hadden, 35.
These good Brothers went to work to provide for their families and never came home. I pledge to continue directing all branches of the Brotherhood to work together in unison to prevent similar tragedies from ever happening again.
On this Memorial Day, I ask all BLET members to join me in thanking the soldiers who are serving as well as all those who have served. And I especially ask you join me in saying a prayer for all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duties.