Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Air Transport group have marked the anniversary of September 11, 2001, by honoring colleagues lost in the attacks. The IAM family paused to remember eight union members who died that day.
The names of those remembered include Marianne MacFarlane, Keith Maynard, and Jesus Sanchez from IAM; and James W. Barbella, Edward Calderon, Rocco Medaglia, Eugene Raggio, and Edward T. Strauss from TCU/IAM.
Richie Johnsen, IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President, addressed union members in a statement: “Today, we gather with heavy hearts to honor and remember those precious lives we tragically lost in 2001. The horrific events of that day left an indelible mark on the fabric of our nation and, most profoundly, on each of us within our cherished union family. Many Americans endured the profound sorrow of losing friends and loved ones, and we, too, mourn the loss of our beloved IAM and TCU/IAM siblings.”
Johnsen also reflected on how September 11 changed both the world and the union: “Our world and our Union changed on that fateful day. We stood together, united in strength and compassion, during that devastating time, just as we always have and always will. Let us continue to hold in our thoughts and hearts the memory of our Air Transport family and all those we lost on that dark day. Their legacy of courage and unity continues to inspire our Union.”
He concluded with a message emphasizing remembrance: “We will never forget.”
