Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 9 recently gathered at Soldiers Memorial in downtown St. Louis to prepare the site for the city’s Veterans Day Parade. Nearly twenty IAM members took part in the clean-up, representing both the District 9 Veterans Committee and the H.E.L.P.S. Committee, with participation from Locals 41, 1745, 688, 313, 1345, 777, and 2782.
The volunteers spent their morning collecting litter and hazardous materials to ensure that Soldiers Memorial remains a safe and dignified space for honoring veterans. Their efforts were aimed at making sure the memorial was ready for public events connected to Veterans Day.
Sam Cicinelli, IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President, commented on the effort: “Keeping Soldiers Memorial clean and parade-ready is more than a project, it’s a statement of respect. District 9 members once again demonstrated the heart of this union by showing up for our veterans,” said Cicinelli. “A sincere thank you to every member who donated their time to support this meaningful project and help prepare Soldiers Memorial for Veterans Day.”
The H.E.L.P.S. initiative stands for Honoring, Engaging, Lifting, Providing, and Servicing. Each district and unaffiliated local in the Midwest Territory is expected to host at least one H.E.L.P.S. event each year.
