L-900 supports vets’ memorial

Ohio park is modeled after “The Wall” in Washington, D.C.

WHEN LOCAL 900 (Barberton, Ohio) members learned about a new Vietnam veterans’ memorial being planned in their state, they were quick to offer their support. The members raised $800 and also secured a donation from the International.

L-900 President Don Hamric stands with Chell Rossi, vice president of the Ohio Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park, in front of the marble welcome sign purchased with funds from the local and a donation from the International.
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Local 900 President Don Hamric presented the donations to Chell Rossi, vice president of the Ohio Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park, at a labor council meeting. “There were more than 50 other union leaders there,” said Hamric, “and our donations sparked a movement throughout organized labor in Ohio to raise additional funds.”

Local 900’s donations paid for a beautiful marble welcome sign in the shape of the state of Ohio. “The International and Local 900’s names have been forever inscribed on the back of this sign as recognition for our efforts in helping erect such a beautiful, long overdue park,” said Hamric.

Located in the village of Clinton, the memorial park features a black granite wall modeled after the national monument in Washington, D.C. The names of 3,094 Ohioans who died or went missing during the Vietnam War are listed on the state monument.

Local 900 is a boiler manufacturing lodge chartered in 1956.