By: Kim Jones

Greetings Sisters and Brothers,

Hopefully, all of the mothers and mother figures had a happy and blessed Mother’s Day.

Motorcycle Awareness Month
May is Motorcycle Awareness Month. Look twice and save a life.

Remembering Walter Reuther
May 9th, 1970, on this day 55 years ago, Walter Reuther, his wife May, and 4 others were tragically killed in a plane crash in Pellston, MI. They were on their way to see the newly completed educational center at Black Lake.

Walter was an American leader of organized labor and civil rights activists who built the UAW into one of the most progressive labor unions in American history. He considered labor movements not as narrow special interest groups, but as instruments to advance social justice and human rights in a democratic society.

He leveraged the UAW’s resources and influence to advocate for workers’ rights, civil rights, women’s rights, universal healthcare, public education, affordable housing, environmental stewardship, and nuclear proliferation around the world. He survived two attempted assassinations, including one at this home where he was struck by 12-gauge shotgun blast fire through his kitchen window. He was the fourth and longest serving president of the UAW, serving from 1946 until his death May 9, 1970.

The History of Armed Forces Day
Although, originally, they were single-day celebrations for the Army, Navy and Air Force, this format changed on August 21, 1949 when Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of Armed Forces Day. Stemming from the unification of the Armed Forces under the Department of Defense, the annual celebration now commemorates all branches of the military doing one, solitary day.

The first official Armed Forces Day took place on May 20, 1950, and was themed “Teamed for Defense.” In honor of the special day, B-36 bombers flew over state capitols, a March was led by more than 10,000 veterans and troops in Washington, D.C. and over 33,000 people participated in a New York City parade.

In 1961, John F. Kennedy declared Armed Forces Day a national holiday. It’s celebrated on the third Saturday of every May and is exhibited by exercises, parades, and receptions that highlight and honor our amazing military and all of it’s strength.

Thank you for your sacrifices, for your valor, for the things you carry, for protecting us, and defending our rights. Thank you to all our veterans for your courage, strength and dedication to keeping us safe.

Memorial Day
Join us this Memorial Day, Mary 26, 2025 as we honor the courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of the men and women who gave their lives in services to our country. Have a blessed and happy Memorial Day.

Father’s Day
Father’s Day in an annual event that celebrates fatherhood and the roles of fathers in nurturing and guiding their children. It’s a day to show appreciation for the sacrifices and efforts that fathers make in their children’s lives.

This celebration is marked by giving gifts, sharing meals, spending quality time together in the expressing of love and gratitude. Father’s day is also a time to honor all father figures, including stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles, and others who have played the paternal role. Have a blessed and happy Father’s Day.

To my father, who now resides in heaven, I love you and miss you very much.

Come join us on June 7, 2025 for the 3rd Annual Get Youth Outdoors Day. Bring the kids for a fun day outdoors! Bring the kids (ages eight and up) out for some free family fun in the great outdoors. Local Union volunteers will provide hands-on introductions to fishing, BB guns, field dog training/retrieving, and other exciting activities. The first 200 kids will receive a free fishing rod and reel to keep.

We will be at the Bluegill Boat Launch, 4209 E Coldwater Rd. in Flint, MI. Organized by the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance and UAW Local 659, this event is free and open to the public but limited to the first 200 kids. No registration required. All participants must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.

For more information, contact Cody Campbell at codyc@unionsportsmen.org or Duane Ballard at local659fin@comcast.net. In partnership with: Genesee County Parks, Skuta Outdoor Alliance, Flint River Watershed Coalition, Pheasants Forever, and NWTF. Hope to see you there!

Polish Sausage Fundraiser
The Black History Committee will be having a polish dog fundraiser on June 6, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. until gone, at our Union Hall. Polish Sausage – $8.00, Brats – 2 for $8.00, and Combo – $10.00 (includes chips and a drink). Look for posting in your plant.

Happy Birthday
Lastly, help me send uplifting birthday wishes to my secretary, Donna. Have an enjoyable day.