Remembering 9/11

New York City
On Sept. 11, to mark the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States, the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA)/AFSCME Local 1000 held its 92nd Annual Delegates Meeting — deliberately choosing this city and this date. Pres. Gerald W. McEntee and Sec.-Treas. William Lucy joined the attendees in a march and vigil at Central Park to pay tribute to victims and heroes of that tragic day.

CSEA lost five members in the World Trade Center attacks. "What happened one year ago will always be with us," said Danny Donohue, CSEA president, who is also an International vice president. "We must always remember the loss of our brothers and sisters; yet we recognize that tragedy and crisis brought out the best in CSEA members."

Before the vigil, Lucy welcomed the delegates to the convention hall and reminded them that although the day is a solemn occasion, the business of the union must continue. "Despite the attacks on the trade towers and the Pentagon, as union members we still hold true to our vision — which was our vision before and after Sept. 11: We value public service. We must have respect and dignity in the workplace — not just for some, but for all. Not just for today, but for tomorrow."

On Sept. 12, McEntee shared his feelings with the union representatives about the terrorist attacks and their consequences. "Yesterday was the first anniversary of Sept. 11. It was a wrenching day, and we hope and pray that we never see that type of senseless killing and destruction again — destruction that touched our own AFSCME family in a very real way.

"And there is no better place to show solidarity than this city that was put back together by solidarity — by iron workers, bricklayers, painters, laborers, carpenters, AFSCME members and other union members, all working side by side and shoulder to shoulder."