Three years ago this month, our lives changed forever when terrorists attacked the United States on our own soil.Thousands of our fellow Americans—many of them also brother and sister trade unionists—were killed in the attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.
Our economy suffered, and our confidence momentarily took a blow, too.
Three years later, it’s hard to name any part of society that hasn’t been affected by September 11. Our emotions remain strong. Heightened security is a constant reminder. Our view of the world changed on September 11, as did the way we conduct our business.
Throughout this entire time, the U.S. Merchant Marine— including thousands of SIU members—has answered the nation’s call. We responded immediately in New York when the attacks took place—our members helped transport tens of thousands of people to safety. And we’ve been supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and our armed forces ever since, from Afghanistan to Iraq to wherever they are deployed.
As the sealift mission for Operation Iraqi Freedom continues, I’m proud to say that Seafarers still play a vital role in this important task.
And our commitment won’t end there. Since our founding in 1938, the SIU has proudly served as part of America’s fourth arm of defense. You name the conflict, and we were there, supporting our troops. World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and countless other military and humanitarian missions. The SIU was there. The SIU delivered.
Today, I know that Seafarers remain proud of and serious about our role in protecting United States national and economic security. When I think back to the first few weeks after September 11, I remember Seafarers practically sprinting to our union halls because they were so eager to ship out and help defend America. Their determination was unmistakable.
That same patriotism and eagerness is just as strong now.
Of course, the U.S. Merchant Marine is best equipped to do its job as the fourth arm of defense when we have strong pro-maritime policies in place. Laws such as the Jones Act, and programs like cargo preference, the Maritime Security Program and its related Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement are vital to the entire industry. They help maintain a pool of well-trained, reliable, U.S. citizen mariners. They help keep the U.S. flag flying on the high seas. They give our government access to the extremely useful infrastructures of participating companies. In short, they make America stronger—and in an extremely cost-effective manner.
The anniversary of September 11 is bound to stir up lots of emotions. It’s a day for remembering the victims and their families. It’s a period to honestly look at what we as a nation have done and must do to prevent another attack.
In our union, I know it’s also a time when Seafarers quietly will reaffirm their commitment to serving as part of the fourth arm of defense. That’s who we are. That’s what we do.
May God continue to bless the United States of America.
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