Today, we take a moment to remember the lives lost on 9/11, and to honor the sacrifices of the brave men and women who have kept our country safe. As a union representing airline mechanics and other aviation professionals, we’ve seen firsthand the impact of that tragic day on our members, our families, and our communities.
Twenty-five years have passed since that fateful day, but the memories of that morning still linger. We remember the lives of the nearly 3,000 innocent people who lost their lives, including the passengers and crew of American Airlines Flight 11, American Airlines Flight 77, United Airlines Flight 175, and United Airlines Flight 93. We remember the families, friends, and communities who were torn apart by this senseless act of violence.
As a union, we’ve worked tirelessly to ensure that the men and women who have kept us safe get the recognition and respect they deserve. We’ve fought for better pay, better benefits, and better working conditions for our members, who put their lives on the line every day to keep the skies safe. The work that you do every day seems ordinary to you but it’s the professional approach to your job that keeps a safe airplane in the sky and a safe work environment around you and your coworkers.
But today, we’re not just thinking about our own members and their families. We’re thinking about the families of the first responders who were killed on 9/11, and who continue to carry the weight of their losses every day. We’re thinking about the families of the passengers and crew who were lost, and who will never get to see their loved ones grow old and grey.
As we move forward, we must never forget the lessons of 9/11. We must continue to support our first responders and their families, and we must work to build a world where such tragedies are never repeated. We must work to build a world where our brothers and sisters in uniform are safe, where our families are protected, and where our communities are strong.
To my fellow union members, I ask that you join me in a moment of silence to honor the lives lost on 9/11. Let us take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have kept us safe, and let us recommit ourselves to the values that unite us as a union.
We will never forget the lives lost on 9/11, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that their memories are never forgotten.
Rest in peace, brothers and sisters. May we always put the needs of our members and their families first, and may we always stand strong against the forces that seek to harm us.
Dale Danker
President, TWU Local 514