Memorial Day 2019

By Dennis R. Pierce 
BLET National President

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, May 24 — As we observe Memorial Day 2019, I ask all members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen to say a special prayer for the women and men who have given their lives serving in our military and to honor them for defending our country and our way of life. Also, please join me in keeping their family members in our thoughts and prayers.

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. 

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 recognition of Memorial Day, Congress established the National Moment of Remembrance in the year 2000. 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. Eastern Standard Time on Memorial Day, all Americans around the world are asked to pause 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 a moment of silence on this Memorial Day, Monday, May 27. Please join me in celebrating the freedom that we enjoy in America and in remembering those brave men and women who have died serving our great nation.

Friday, May 24, 2019
bentley@ble-t.org