Union Rider Honors Victims

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Last September, Fernando Daza was among more than 1,250 cyclists who pedaled their way from Ground Zero in New York City to the Pentagon to commemorate the tragedy of 9/11.

Sponsored by AFSCME and his employer, the District of Columbia's Water and Sewer Authority, Daza — a member of Local 2091 (Council 20) — participated in "Face of America 2002." He and other bike riders departed Ground Zero on Friday and completed the 270-mile, three-day tour on Sunday. "This was definitely a way I could show my support and represent AFSCME and my place of employment," says Daza, a 30-year cyclist. "By participating, I was able to honor those lost and proudly represent my friends and co-workers."

Union leaders were happy to assist him. "When Fernando called and asked for our support, we immediately felt it would be a fitting tribute for a member of our union to be part of this event," explains James Ivey, Local 2091 president. "We, too, lost brothers and sisters in the horrific events in New York."

On that September Sunday, a stream of cyclists — many clad in red, white and blue — rolled into the Washington area. As they entered the Pentagon parking lot, they were greeted by hundreds of demonstrative supporters chanting "U-S-A! U-S-A!" At the end of the ride, everyone joined together in an emotional singing of "God Bless America."