HONORING THOSE LOST — The audience stands during the playing of “America the Beautiful” at September 11 ceremonies in Albany dedicating a memorial to PEF members killed on the job. — Photo by John Epting


SOLEMN OCCASION — PEF President Roger E. Benson, Lt. Gov. Mary Donohue and SEIU President Andy Stern listen to dedication speakers. — Photo by Deborah Miles

Hundreds attend moving ceremony at union headquarters
PEF dedicates monument to WTC victims, other slain members

By DENYCE DUNCAN LACY
PEF observed September 11 with a special ceremony to dedicate a new memorial and garden at the union’s headquarters in Albany.

It honors not just the 34 members who lost their lives in the attacks on the World Trade Center, but all of the union’s members who have been killed in the line of duty since PEF became a union in 1978.

Nearly 300 invited guests — including victims’ families and co-workers, state and local legislators and commissioners, PEF members and staff — braved a strong, cold wind and threatening skies to attend the tribute.

PEF President Roger Benson and Secretary-Treasurer Jane Hallum stood on opposite sides of the structure as they officially unveiled and dedicated the new 7-foot granite monument which bears the names of 43 PEF members.

“As we dedicate this striking monument today, if there is one thing we can do to honor the memory of these brave workers, it is to express our solidarity with them,” Benson said.

“We will not forget and we will not permit our elected leaders to forget our members who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of New York state. We are here today to pay tribute not only to the individuals, but also to the important services they delivered.” 

Lt. Governor Mary Donohue said, “All of New York has suffered as a result of what happened last year. ... That wound may never close, ... (but) we are more unified and stronger than ever as a result of their sacrifice. We stand together, united in our diversity.”

The monument lists the names of the 31 PEF members at the state Department of Taxation and Finance and three members at the Department of Transportation who were killed at the World Trade Center. It also bears the names of nine other PEF members — including several parole officers, mental health professionals and others, who were killed in separate incidents throughout the state from 1981 to 1999.

“These fallen heroes ensured that our taxes were fairly collected, our transportation systems functioned, our mentally ill citizens were cared for, our parolees were supervised, and that New Yorkers with disabilities received educational services,” Benson said. “May this monument give us the strength to continue their work, and never forget them.” 

Leaders of PEF’s two international affiliates, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), also participated in the dedication ceremony.

“Love does not cease with death,” said SEIU president Andy Stern. “Remember their love, and not their loss.”

AFT Executive Vice President Nat LaCour praised PEF for its work during the past year to help the families and members through the period of grief, fear and confusion in the wake of the attacks.

“The staff and members of PEF are an inspiration to us all,” he said.

As Hallum and PEF Executive Board members Joe Carusone and Tom Van Brammer read the name of each fallen member, a PEF trustee or regional coordinator came solemnly forward to place a lily in memory of that member into a basket at the base of the monument.

Brian O’Shaughnessy, director of the state Labor-Religion Coalition noted that this monument was “created by workers for workers.”

“It has the power to heal,” he said, because of the deep and profound memories it evokes.”

“We feel the loss of these members every time we step on these stones,” Benson said. “But we also feel the pride.”

PEF Trustee Arlea Igoe places a lily in a basket at the memorial dedication. — Photo by Deborah A. Miles






9/11 - ONE YEAR LATER — PEF Vice President Pat Baker pays respect to a fallen member at the memorial dedication at PEF headquarters. Below: Candles represent each lost soul at the state's observance held at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. — Photo s by Deborah A. Miles

COMMUNICATOR HOMEPAGE
Inside This Issue:
Features
PEF dedicates memorial to fallen members
Union marshals forces behind candidates
Early retirement agency options
PS&T contract team shares good news
AFT lends experience for PS&T talks

Departments
President's Message: PEF unity best tribute
You Said It: Member's letters this month
Member Mobilization: Fully mobilized divisions
Legislative Action: More PEF bills are law
Nurses' Station: Needlesticks, act now
Health Notes: Flex Spending/Dependent Care
Retirees In Action: On the move nationally
Health & Safety: Coping with worksite disaster
Member Highlights: picture page
PEF Membership Benefits Program & Travel Corp

Union Matters
Reg. 7 members earn SEFA awards
Fineson member earns employee award
Nominees for Reg. 12 coordinator sought
Training grants help members
Tri-County Labor Council elects Twitchell

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