Sisters and Brothers,
Tomorrow marks the 250th Anniversary of the birth of the United States of America. Two hundred and fifty years ago, our Founding Fathers made the courageous decision to stand for liberty, self-government, and the belief that all people are created equal. Their willingness to sacrifice for future generations gave us the freedoms we enjoy today.
As I reflect on that historic moment, I can’t help but see the same spirit within our union. Every day, the men and women of ILA Local 1475 stand together to protect our jobs, defend our jurisdiction, and preserve the dignity of organized labor. We continue to face challenges from automation and those who seek to weaken unions, but just as those before us stood firm in defense of freedom, we remain united in defense of our Brothers and Sisters and the generations that will follow us.
Be proud of your country, be proud of your union, and be proud of the work you do every day to keep America’s ports moving. Your dedication, professionalism, and solidarity embody the very principles that have made both this nation and our union strong.
To everyone working this holiday weekend, thank you for your commitment. Please work safely, stay cool, and remember to hydrate throughout your shift.
For those spending the holiday with family and friends or traveling, I wish you a safe and enjoyable Independence Day. Take time to appreciate the freedoms we’ve inherited and the sacrifices made to secure them.
God Bless you. God Bless your family. God Bless the International Longshoremen’s Association. And God Bless the United States of America.
“Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair; the rest is in the hands of God.”
— George Washington
“Do you want to know who you are? Don’t ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you.”
— Thomas Jefferson
“We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.”
— Benjamin Franklin, at the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Happy 250th Birthday, America!
In Solidarity,
Josh & Team