Honoring our military on Veterans Day

On November 11, people across the country will take a moment to honor our military veterans, who have sacrificed their time -- and many their lives -- by serving in the United States Armed Forces. In addition to their brave actions, defending our country and others, these men and women are a valuable resource to the entire labor movement. The UAW has a long history of supporting and recognizing the men and women in our military and their families. Numerous events are planned at the locals across the United States.

Some of the Veteran’s Day events include:

Region 1

The Armed Services Salute -- three events on one day of continuous patriotic Veterans Day celebration took place on Sunday, November 7 with Honor Guards attending. Held in Corktown, Detroit, the observance included an annual Detroit Veterans Day Parade, the 4Star 4Mile Race and Vets Fest. The event was anchored at the IBEW Local 58 Union Hall on Abbott Street.

Veterans Stand Down

Six volunteers from Warren Truck, Local 140, assisted with the Southeastern Michigan Veterans Stand Down hosted at Macomb Community College on October 19-20. The Stand Down organization aids homeless veterans in the Detroit Metropolitan area by connecting them with area service providers to assist veterans in finding a place to live, suitable employment and training for employment. These efforts aid in helping them get back into the mainstream of life's day-to-day activities.

A long-time supporter of this event, Local 140 donated more than $700 of goods to the VA hospital Halloween activities serving 150 patients. Items purchased included snacks, notebooks, toothpaste and toothbrushes; cookies and shaving supplies.

Region 1A

Michigan Poor People's Campaign

Local 600  November 12th,5:30pm Event sponsored by Local 600 and the Michigan Poor People Campaign.  This event is to raise awareness about deported veterans who were promised an expedited track to become US citizen for serving in the armed forces.  During this event, a mural painted by some of the deported veterans will be dedicated in the Reuther Hall.  The mural projects mission is to uplift the stories of deported veterans and others.  There event will have speakers in person and livestreamed.

Region 2B

UAW Local 863 is hosting their annual Flag Raising Ceremony at the local union hall in front of the Veteran's Memorial at 11:35 am onNovember 10, 2021.

Region 1D

Region 1D UAW members will support Wreaths Across America on December 18. 2021. Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, the organization coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 2,500 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.

Region 4

• Illinois Local 1268 will hold a Color Guard ceremony followed by a speaker at the Belvidere Assembly Plant at 6 a.m.
• Missouri Local 249’s Veterans Committee spent $1500 to purchase 300 Challenge Coins and will give them to the first 300 veterans that show proof of service with either DD-214, Active or Reserves ID Cards, Driver’s License with Veteran Status or VA Card.

Region 8

Region 8 will host a Veterans Appreciation Night on November 13 beginning at 5 p.m. This event is being held by UAW Local 3520, a heavy truck assembly plant located in Cleveland, North Carolina. Local 3520 also is planning a clothing drive for homeless veterans.

Region 9

Earlier this year, on July 20, Region 9 members assisted as “The Wall That Heals” memorial was escorted to Veterans  Park in Tonawanda, New York. An estimated 250 to 300 motorcyclists from very diverse backgrounds participated in the escort. The escort was also followed by a refueling plane from the Niagara Falls Air Force Base. On July 21, 2021, volunteers from the Region 9 Veterans Committee gathered to set up and assemble the memorial. They worked to assemble the wall, and the mobile museum. The memorial is a three quarters replica of the original Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, DC. Then, on July 25 volunteers gathered once more to disassemble and pack up the memorial to send it off to its next location. The memorial will make 38 stops around the country, before returning to Washington.

Region 9A

The 23rd Annual Region 9A Veterans Council Dinner Dance, Working Together to Help Our Veterans, takes place on Saturday, November 13 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Bristol.

Proceeds provide donations of gift cards to VA Medical Centers as well as to community organizations like Veterans Coffee Houses, American Vet Dogs, Run to Home Base and sponsoring a “Take a Vet Fishing” event.

Two speakers from Local 2377 will be featured:

• Major Josephine “Josie “Carpanzano, who will speak about being the daughter of a proud union member and how that shaped her life in the military.
• State Brigadier General Gerald “Jerry” Lukowski will be speaking about his life in the military and being a veteran.

Support veterans all year long

The UAW Veterans Committee is always seeking members willing to represent the interest of active and retired UAW Veterans and their families. This committee is dedicated to advocating for the political and social concerns of veterans through leadership, guidance and education. If you want to build and enhance the dignity that all veterans have earned by serving their country, the Veterans Committee encourages you to participate. More information can be found here.