Silver Spring, MD – Larry Hanley, international president of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) issued the following statement to mark Memorial Day.
“This Memorial Day ATU members in the United States remember their friends, family members and all Americans who have given their lives in service to their country. Nothing we can do or say can ever repay the families of these service members for the loss of their loved ones. But we can resolve to honor their sacrifice by more fully exercising the freedom they fought for with their lives.
“That freedom is never guaranteed. It slips away all too easily when we’re not paying attention; when we’re not fully participating in the democracy they died for.
“We owe it to these fallen heroes to fight here at home for the growing numbers of Americans who are being pushed into poverty by an economy designed to funnel more and more of our nation’s wealth to the world’s rich. Included among these are our wounded warriors who are suddenly left to their own devices, looking for work when they return home.”
“Adding insult to injury, President Trump is proposing to eliminate benefit payments to veterans who have struggled to find jobs once they reach social security retirement age, despite the fact that they would have little social security to support them once they reach that age.
“Veterans may also be disadvantaged by the VA Accountability First Act of 2017, passed by the House, that would eliminate many employee rights at the VA, and make it easier to fire the advocates who speak out for veterans every day.
“There are many more reasons to actively work for the more perfect nation that so many have fought and died for since the founding of our republic. ATU joins with all Americans in expressing our gratitude for the freedom they secured which gives us the right to do that.”