Tragedy brings solidarity to the fore

UUP used its Delegate Assembly (DA) as a forum to remember the sacrifices and contributions of workers, some who wore steel-toed boots and some who watched over children, in the grainy minutes, hours, days and weeks since terrorists attacked this country.

In the aftermath, many people have felt powerless and wondered what they could do to help. In the face of the heroic acts of rescuers, other attempts to help at first seemed small. But still, the call was there.

UUP members have answered that call with effort, ceremony and funds. Many were called to help the helpers.

At the union’s Fall DA, a candle-lighting ceremony marked a moment of silence in honor of those who lost their lives, families and friends. James Engle, a UUP member from SUNY Morrisville, played “The Mist Covered Mountains” on his bagpipes. SUNY Old Westbury student Christina Perez sang, powerfully, “America the Beautiful.” Portraits of those who helped with tasks as great as untwisting steel from the wreckage to find victims, and as small as packing boxes of donated food, were shown in a five-minute video.

Delegates unanimously agreed to spend up to $10,000 in union funds to honor the people from at least 81 countries who died. The money will be used to match voluntary contributions by active and retired members to the NYSUT 9-11 Disaster Relief Fund, which aids people from unions who have suffered great losses. Flag pins and solidarity T-shirts designed by UUP were sold at the DA to raise money for the cause.

UUP members also passed a resolution submitted by the Affirmative Action Committee, asking all members to guard against acts that threaten or demean anyone based on ethnic, religious or political differences.

— Liza Frenette