[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 43 (Wednesday, April 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E556]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE IRON WORKERS TO THE RECOVERY 
                              OF NEW YORK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 17, 2002

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, for every American, September 11th, 2001 
means one thing. It is a day that we, as a Nation, suffered as we had 
never before. As I watched the events of the day unfold from my home in 
the Bronx, like most, I thought of my family and their safety.
  Some others though, had thoughts of only one thing--how can I help. 
Hundreds of firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical 
personnel and, yes, construction workers, went running to what was left 
of the Twin Towers to try and save lives. We should all feel proud of 
the many men and women who went to Ground Zero, such as the Iron 
Workers.
  In fact, it was Iron Workers who had one of the toughest jobs. These 
men and women were charged with sifting through that nightmare and they 
did so with great dignity and compassion for those who lost their lives 
and their families. As I have watched this amazing transformation, I 
have swelled with pride, for I have a special place in my heart for 
these men and women who are Iron Workers, because so was my father.
  Today, I have the honor of recognizing two great trade union leaders, 
Ed Walsh and Robert Ledwith, Both of these men have dedicated their 
lives to their families, their communities, and their unions.
  Just last month, Ed Walsh became the President of the Iron Workers 
District Council of Greater New York and Vicinity. Ed Walsh started his 
career with the Iron Workers in 1968 working as an apprentice for three 
years. He became a journeyman Ironworker union member in 1971. Through 
three decades he moved up the ranks until becoming the Business Manager 
of Local 40 in 1995. In March 2002, Ed was appointed as General 
Organizer for the International and became President of the Iron 
Workers District Council of Greater New York and Vicinity, an affiliate 
of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and 
Reinforcing Iron Workers.
  Ed resides in Mamaroneck, New York with his wife Kathy. He has two 
sons, Christopher and Kevin. Kevin has decided to follow his father's 
footsteps and is currently an apprentice with Iron Workers Local 40. Ed 
Walsh comes from a union tradition. His father and brothers John and 
Bob are union ironworkers, his brother Jim is a retired union 
carpenter, and his brother is a retired New York City Police Officer.
  Bob Ledwith serves as Business Manager and Financial Secretary-
Treasurer of the Metallic Lathers Union and Reinforcing Iron Workers 
Local 46. Bob Ledwith was elected as Business Agent for the Metallic 
Lathers Union and Reinforcing Iron Workers Local 46 in June 1981. He 
was elected Business Manager and Financial Secretary-Treasurer in 1999 
and continues to serve in that capacity today.
  Through the haze and the numbness caused by September 11th, something 
was shining through. The American Spirit. The men and women of the Iron 
Workers are the embodiment of that Spirit. It gave us all a sense of 
hope and a sense of pride.

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