Memorial Day 2018

By Dennis R. Pierce
BLET National President

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, May 25 — Over the past 155 years, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) has seen too many of our union members go off to war and not come home. We also know that many of our Brothers and Sisters have lost family and friends in such conflicts. The BLET is humbled by the sacrifices made by all these members of our armed forces, and we wish comfort and peace to those affected by their loss.

Memorial Day is a special day to honor and pay tribute to those who died serving in the military to defend our nation and our values. Established in 1868 and originally called Decoration Day, it was set aside as a day of remembrance for family members who would decorate the graves of veterans who died in battle defending our country and our way of life.

In 2000, Congress established the National Moment of Remembrance in recognition of Memorial Day. Its goal is to remind Americans of the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces as well as others who have died as a result of service to this nation. At 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day (Monday, May 28), all Americans around the world are asked to pause for one minute and remember these heroes in a symbolic act of unity.

I would like to take this opportunity to ask all BLET members who are able to safely do so to join me in this moment of silence to honor the spirit of those who gave their lives for our country. We are forever in debt to those who have died defending America. Please join me in remembering those brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our great nation.

Friday, May 25, 2018
bentley@ble-t.org