[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E227]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE IRONWORKERS LOCAL 84 ON 100 YEARS OF SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 25, 2004

  Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Houston's 
Ironworkers Local 84 and to celebrate their one-hundredth year 
representing the interests of Houston's ironworkers. Our country's 
ironworkers have long been admired for the architectural wonders they 
created while working under tremendously dangerous conditions.
  For the past one hundred years, the Ironworkers of Local 84 have put 
their blood and sweat into the bridges and skyscrapers that have become 
Houston's celebrated landmarks. Their service to the Houston community, 
however, did not cease with the end of the work day. During times of 
war, the ironworkers answered the call for help and offered their 
skills in the homefront effort to win the war.
  Houston's ironworkers also have a long history of standing by each 
other. Local 84 has historically purchased cemetery plots to make sure 
that any deceased ironworker receives an honorable burial. Local 84 was 
Texas's first Ironworkers union to establish a pension fund and medical 
insurance for its members. Local 84 recognized early the importance of 
job training skills in remaining competitive in the field and Houston's 
Local 84 started an apprenticeship school and a program to upgrade the 
skills of its journeymen.
  Local 84's commitment to its members, to the Houston community, and 
to the nation as a whole cannot be exaggerated. Therefore, on this day, 
I salute the hard-working men and women of the International 
Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers, Local 84 
and thank them for one hundred years of service. Our great city would 
not be standing as tall without them, and I wish them great success for 
the next hundred years.

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