By Dennis R. Pierce
BLET National President
CLEVELAND, May 22 — Each year on Memorial Day, we pause to honor and pay tribute to the men and women who have served in the military and to thank them for defending our country and our way of life. Our nation has done so each year since the holiday was first recognized in 1868.
Many members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen are veterans who have earned our gratitude for their honorable service. More are currently in active duty, serving America overseas or away from their families and loved ones. We are proud that our Brotherhood is the oldest union in North America, and we have represented military veterans since our founding on May 8, 1863. Since that time, our Brotherhood has fought tirelessly to ensure good union jobs and safe working conditions for our veterans and for all BLET members.
In 2000, Congress established the National Moment of Remembrance. Each year at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Memorial Day, all Americans around the world are asked to pause and remember our heroes in the Armed Forces as well as others who have died in military service to this nation. I ask all active and retired members of the BLET and the BLET Auxiliary to join me in this act of unity and pause for a moment of silence at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, May 25, 2015.
On this Memorial Day, please join me in thanking those who have worn the uniform — and those currently in uniform — for their service, sacrifice, honor and courage in serving the United States of America.