Honoring the Heroes of 9/11
September 11, 2009
Pittsburgh, Pa.
AFL-CIO Executive Council statement
Today we meet on the anniversary of September 11, 2001 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, just 80 miles from Shanksville, where the courageous crew and passengers of United flight 93 died as heroes to save the lives and destruction of others. In total, six hundred union members were among those killed on that tragic day eight years ago in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Among them were members of the flight crews of four hijacked jetliners, firefighters and police officers, as well as union members who were simply working at their daily jobs. Hundreds of their brothers and sisters in public safety and health care risked their lives in the response and rescue efforts. Thousands of union construction workers worked tirelessly for weeks and months to reclaim bodies of the fallen and deconstruct the massive wreckage left behind. Many of them are still suffering today.
The selfless acts of our brothers and sisters represent the best of our union values. Today we remember the fallen heroes and the contributions of all who acted out of concern for others and for their country.
In honor of these working class heroes and the thousands of citizens killed in the awful attacks, working families and our unions are participating in service and remembrance events across our country. These events, which cap a “summer of service” called for by President Obama, include over 300 community based projects — food drives, blood drives, assistance to the elderly, school supplies for children living in homeless shelters. And at Ground Zero, the New York State AFL-CIO and Central Labor Council are joining together to press for immediate passage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (HR. 847/S. 1334).
We once again extend our deepest sympathy to the families of all who were so senselessly murdered. And we praise the valor and sacrifice of the union members who lost their lives, gave their lives and risked their lives. Their solidarity and sacrifice will never be forgotten.