Workers Memorial Luncheon

My first week back from training was dominated by preparations for our Workers' Memorial Luncheon. (Workers' Memorial Day is actually observed all over the world on April 28, but that was only a few weeks before our primaries here in Arkansas and people were swamped with that, so AICWJ decided to reschedule our event for well after the election.) The facts are pretty stunning: an average of 14 workers die on the job every day in this country. In 2008, 5,071 workers lost their lives on the job, and another 50,000 died from occupational diseases.
About 50 of us gathered in the basement of First Presbyterian Church in Little Rock to commemorate these workers, particularly those Arkansans who lost their lives on the job. After sharing a meal together, we participated in a short ceremony to remember and honor all those who died on the job in the past year. State Senator Joyce Elliott held a large candle from which we lit individual candles and each said the name of an Arkansan worker. Once all the candles were lit, a prayer was said and Taps was played.
After a week of stress, I'd begun to resent the luncheon a little bit. But after experiencing it, my mind was changed. I was struck by the way all sorts of people - labor folks, religious leaders, community members, local politicians - came out to honor our workers as one community.
I hope everyone else had as great a week as I did. I start clergy visits next week - send me good vibes!

PS - If you'd like to see more photos from the event, they're available on our page on Facebook!