Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 9 recently participated in a volunteer effort to prepare the Soldiers Memorial in downtown St. Louis 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. Several local unions, including Locals 41, 1745, 688, 313, 1345, 777, and 2782 were involved in the initiative.
The volunteers spent their morning collecting litter and hazardous materials to ensure that Soldiers Memorial remains a safe and respectful space for honoring military service members. The event aimed to support preparations for Veterans Day while demonstrating IAM’s commitment to community service.
“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 IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam 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. program stands for Honoring, Engaging, Lifting, Providing, and Servicing. Each district and unaffiliated local in IAM’s Midwest Territory is expected to organize at least one H.E.L.P.S. event each year.
