Union Veterans, Members Clean Vietnam Veterans Memorial
In the early hours of Aug. 3, the AFL-CIO Union Veterans Council organized a group of national union leaders and activists to participate in the washing of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. As the sun rose over the Three Service Members Statue , volunteers received a welcome from the Vietnam Veterans of America , saluted the memorial and observed a moment of silence.
J. David Cox Sr., AFL-CIO Union Veterans Council chairman and AFGE president, led the group of union volunteers in the cleaning of the wall, which bears the names of more than 58,000 service members who perished during the Vietnam War or remain missing. A number of AFL-CIO affiliated unions participated in this service activity including AFGE, Air Line Pilots , AFT , Painters and Allied Trades and Theatrical Stage Employees .
Cox said he was “truly honored to be a part of this experience.”
"To participate in the washing of the wall gave me the opportunity to show my deepest gratitude to those who have served our country so valiantly. Growing up in Kannapolis, N.C., it was difficult to watch my childhood friends go off to war, but their sacrifice was inspiring.
During my visit to the memorial I was reminded of those I grew up with, such as Sgt. 1st Class Donald Shue, Lance Cpl. Jimmy Cox and Lance Cpl. John Dunlap, who gave their lives for our country. For many years, the remains of my friend Donnie were missing, and to learn that they were recently found truly touches my heart. The names of these men, and thousands of others, will forever be engraved in our nation’s history.
With nearly 100 volunteers on hand, the washing of the wall went quickly. Veterans from the VVA used hoses to pre-rinse the wall panels, while other volunteers stood in line to gently scrub the wall with soap-covered brushes. After the panels received a final rinse, volunteers gathered toward the center of the wall for the closing ceremony.
The AFL-CIO Union Veterans Council seeks to help veterans with employment opportunities through the VA and in the building trades, as well as participate in numerous service activities, such as assisting in maintaining memorials that honor America’s heroes.
Chelsea Bland is an AFGE Communications Specialist.
