THE FOLLOWING IS A BUILDING TRADES AND VERMILION COUNTY AFL-CIO RELEASE
ABOVE: A picture of the 2023 Worker’s Memorial Day Ceremony in Danville.
Elected officials, union leaders to recognize 55 local residents on Sunday
For just the second time, Workers’ Memorial Day ceremonies will take place in Danville on Sunday, honoring those who have lost their lives while on the job.
Hundreds of ceremonies will happen across the country, including one at 11am Sunday at a memorial outside Kruger-Coan Funeral Home, 10 E. Williams St., Danville.
State Sen. Paul Faraci is expected to join union leaders and other local officials in recognizing Workers’ Memorial Day, which has taken place each year since the Occupational Safety and Health Act went into effect more than 50 years ago. While labor unions are leading the fight for greater workplace protections, the day honors all whose lives were lost on the job, regardless of whether they were union members.
The Danville memorial was built in 1993 and includes the names of 36 local union members and 19 other workers. Last year was the first ceremony there and organizers are asking for the public’s help in identifying those whose names should be added for recognition in future years.
“We recognize the importance of honoring the memories of those who lost their lives while on the job,” said Connie Ostrander, of the Vermillion County AFL-CIO. “We know there are more than just those whose names are on the memorial today. We hope their friends and family members will reach out to us and bring attention to their loved ones.”
Those who would like someone’s name added to the memorial should contact Ostrander at ostranderconnie40@gmail.com or 217-418-0944.
