Memorial Day
During the process of searching for something to write about Memorial Day, we came across an article from the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, written on May 22nd, 2017, that truly expresses the importance of Memorial Day. We have inserted the article in its entirety below: CONSIDER THE TRUE MEANING OF MEMORIAL DAY As Memorial Day approaches, it is a great time to pause and consider the true meaning of this holiday. Memorial Day represents one day of national awareness and reverence, honoring those Americans who died while defending our nation and its values. While we should honor these heroes every day for the profound contributions they made to secure our nation’s freedom, we should especially commemorate them and their families on Memorial Day. Let us never forget how fortunate we are to live in freedom and let us always commemorate our history and honor the sacrifices these heroes gave to protect that freedom. Military life and ceremonies are inspired in tradition and symbolism and funerals for our fallen are no exception. Let me share with you some of the symbolism of military funeral honors. The bestowing of military funeral honors is a way to show the nation’s deep gratitude to those who have faithfully defended their country. This ceremony is the final demonstration a grateful nation provides to a veteran’s family. One of the best-known military traditions is the 21-gun salute or three volleys from rifles. This tradition comes from traditional battle ceasefires where each side would clear the dead. The firing of three volleys indicated that dead were cleared and properly cared for. Originally composed to signal lights out, the somber tune of “Taps” became a traditional way to pay tribute to service members honoring the extinguishing of a life. At the end of a funeral the flag is removed from the casket and folded by the honor guard. With each fold representing something different: the first, liberty; second, unity; third, justice; fourth, perseverance; fifth, hardiness; sixth, valor; seventh, purity; eighth, innocence; ninth, sacrifice; tenth, honor; eleventh, independence; and the twelfth-fold, truth. In the folding, the red and white stripes are finally wrapped into the blue, as the light of day vanishes into the darkness of the night. Sometimes a few of the shells from the volleys may be inserted into the back fold before it is presented to the family as an expression of gratitude for the sacrifice they have made. It has also been said that the three sides of a folded flag are symbolic of the three colors in the flag, the three sided hat of the colonial soldiers and the colonists, the three branches of the national government, the three primary documents of our land (Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights), and of course, the three famous words form the soldier’s motto - duty, honor, and country. While visiting a cemetery, it’s not unusual to see coins on a veteran’s grave. The coins are symbolic that a friend was there. It’s said that a penny means they visited and wanted to say thanks. A nickel means they trained at boot camp together, while a dime means they served together and a quarter signifies they were with the veteran when he/she passed away. Whenever attending a funeral where military services are conducted, please go out of your way to thank the leaders from the service organizations that conducted the military funeral honors. They are all volunteers honoring one of their heroes. As Memorial Day draws near, let us ponder the life they made possible for us by their commitment and sacrifice. They paid the ultimate price for freedom, and it is our duty to keep their legacy fresh in the memories of future generations.
Teamsters Member Assistance Program
With the Holiday Weekend approaching we felt it necessary to remind you all of the valuable resource that is at your disposal. Our TMAP (formerly EAP) Coordinators offer free confidential services to help Teamster members and their families identify and resolve personal problems or concerns. They can assist you in developing a plan of action or refer you to an appropriate licensed professional. Some of the issues they can assist with include Alcohol/Drug dependency, Addictive Behaviors, Mental health, Grief and Loss, Child/Teen conduct, Domestic Violence, Elder Care, Trauma, and Relationship problems. They can also assist with Retirement questions, Workers Compensation, State Disability, FMLA, Reasonable Accommodation, and other State, Federal, or Company benefits. All of these services are free, voluntary and confidential and cannot be discussed with anyone without written consent from you. If you have a problem or situation that you would like to discuss in private please call: Steve Loone for MM / GQPV / OV 650- 745-5864 or Steve Crummey for Jet Shop / Back shops 650-745-5867
Labor History for the Month of May
May 7th, 1907 - Two die and twenty are injured on “Bloody Tuesday” in San Francisco when company strikebreakers open fire on striking streetcar operators. Over the course of the strike, two dozen people died in accidents on the system while it was run by scab labor and an estimated 900 others were injured.
May 11th, 1894 - With their wages slashed and no reduction in rent at the company housing, Pullman Palace Car Company factory workers walk off the job. The workers sought the support of the American Railway Union, which gave notice in June that its members would no longer work trains that included Pullman cars. The strike and boycott crippled railway traffic nationwide and at its peak involved over 250,000 workers in 27 states.
May 14th, 1953 - Brewery workers at six Milwaukee breweries go on strike over wages. Employees at breweries located in the Midwest were paid lower wages than those on the East and West Coasts because the brewery owners argued that lower wages ensured that breweries would continue to be concentrated in the Midwest. The strike ended in late July when the workers won their demands. We must never forget!
Quotes of the Month
There are more instances of the abridgment of freedoms of the people by gradual and silent encroachment of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations. - James Madison No man can think clearly when his fists are clenched. - George Jean Nathan Stay Informed The communication process is an extremely important part of what we do to represent our folks here at SFO and, as we have been outlining for quite some time, we have been blasting out the BA Report along with any other communication we get from the Airline Division or the International to anyone who registers at the TeamstersSFO website. Additionally, there are weekly meetings held with the Shop Stewards to pass on any important informational items that may come up during the month. It is crucial to our process that every area on every shift have Shop Steward representation and that the Shop Steward give, at a minimum, weekly briefings to his/her crew so that all the information gets to our members. We feel that it is essential for all of our members to be engaged and informed at all times. Therefore, we encourage all of you to spread the word to your fellow technicians to go to the TeamstersSFO website and click on the ‘email signup’ tab to get on the list. And, most importantly, we urge you to also consider getting more involved. Every month, on the last Thursday, we hold Craft Meetings at Local 856. At these meetings, the membership hears reports from the Business Agents and other members of the SFO Committee on Grievances, Safety, Member Assistance, and TSAP. Additionally, all members have an opportunity to ask questions and to bring up topics for discussion. Check your IBT Bulletin Board for dates and times and make it a point to stop by. As always, stay informed! In Solidarity Mark DesAngles Javier Lectora Business Agent Business Agent Local 986 Local 856 Business Representatives