By Dennis R. Pierce
BLET National President
On behalf of the entire Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, I offer thanks to all veterans and active-duty military on this Veteran’s Day 2013. In the BLET we have a saying: Proud to be American, Proud to be Union. We are just as proud of the men and women in uniform. Your sacrifices and devotion have protected our way of life and our freedoms for generations.
Founded on May 8, 1863, the BLET marked its 150th anniversary earlier this year. From its founding, the BLET has been proud to represent the rights and interests of military veterans who have gone on to work as Locomotive Engineers and as Trainmen. Many of our earliest members were veterans of such battles as Bull Run, Shiloh, Antietam and Gettysburg. Today, our active membership consists of veterans who have fought in Vietnam, Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as 85 members who are on active duty as we honor them. These members proudly carry on the traditions established by our founding fathers.
Behind every soldier who serves is a family who also serves. Please join me in thanking not only our soldiers and veterans, but their families as well. Their sacrifice deserves our praise and is part of the reason our country remains strong and free. On behalf of the BLET Advisory Board and our 51,000 members, we thank you and we salute you for everything you have done for us and our country. God bless.