Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Veterans Day: Remember their sacrifice
The great experiment in democracy that our forefathers attempted 232 years ago was once again validated earlier this month in a historic election.
That election, and all of its implications about a more perfect union and equality for all, would have never been possible without the continued sacrifice of our veterans. From Iwo Jima to Inchon and Khe Sahn to Khandahar and many distant battlefields in between, UAW members have personally sacrificed for our continued liberty.
The official holiday is Nov. 11. For some of our members in the automotive sector, Veterans Day will be observed on Nov. 14. No matter the day, UAW members will be remembering the sacrifice of all who proudly wore the uniform and the safe return home of those currently serving.
"We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to those who have served our nation so honorably," UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said. "We urge our active and retired members to use this special day to remember the exceptional sacrifices our veterans have made on our behalf."
"Veterans Day is special for us not only because of the large number of UAW members who have served their country, but also for what we do in the community to serve our veterans," said UAW Vice President Cal Rapson, who directs the union's Veterans Department and . "Our efforts to serve our veterans are an important part of who we are as a union."
Every local union has a standing veterans committee as required by the UAW Constitution. These committees not only keep the International informed about the needs of veterans, but also keep veterans informed about changes in benefits and government and community-based programs available to them.
There isn't enough space to list all of the good our members do for veterans out of appreciation for their service, but three recent examples stand out:
| Photo: Roger Kerson |
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| From left, James N. Goldsmith, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; John Grimes, president, UAW Staff Council; Sherwood Pea, state commander, Michigan VFW; Harry Croyle, UAW Local 160 retiree, and UAW Vice President Cal Rapson. |
--The Wounded Warrior Project, which helps wounded veterans transition to civilian life, is an excellent veterans' aid organization. Veterans from UAW Region 8, which covers the southeastern United States, recently donated more than $11,000 to the project.
-- In 2006 donations of cash, labor and materials from UAW members from across the country helped construct a $400,000 duplex to help house single-parent veteran families at the VFW National Home for Children in Eaton Rapids, Mich. UAW members continue to support this organization with their time and money.
"We encourage every UAW active and retired member to get involved with their local union's veterans committee and see what you can do to aid those who have done so much for our country," Rapson said.