We Honor Those Who Served

 
On this Veterans Day and Remembrance Day 2019, on behalf of the SMART General Executive Council and the more than 200,000 members of SMART, we salute the men and women who have served in the armed forces of the United States and Canada.
We recognize the commitment and sacrifices of our veterans. We remember those who gave their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy, and we honor those who were wounded or taken prisoner. The courage of these men and women will never be forgotten.
In November 1919, following the end of World War I, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words:
“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”
World War I officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is the date we now commemorate as Veteran’s Day.
We are immensely proud of our SMART members who are veterans. Since the founding of our predecessor unions, members have repeatedly answered the call to defend freedom and democracy. These member veterans have also inspired generations, building and serving their communities, and strengthening our union.
To this day, we emphasize the recruitment of veterans through our SMART Heroes program, Helmets to Hardhats, and other initiatives, and do all we can to help them build rewarding careers after they leave the military.
Please join us in thanking and honoring, both today and throughout the year, all of our SMART brothers and sisters who have served and sacrificed for our countries.
Fraternally,
Joseph Sellers Jr.
SMART General President