©2011 Galesburg Broadcasting Co.
| A Celebration of Union Labor |
Thousands of people lined the downtown area to celebrate what a local official says is any worker, anywhere in the United States.
17th District Democrat Phil Hare was among those who marched in the annual Galesburg Labor Day Parade Monday and says it's a great way to honor those who took part in the labor movement to grant workers the rights they have today.
He says he's concerned with those who have no job or no health insurance at this time.
Hare tells WGIL projects like the three overpasses coming to the area will help stimulate jobs and unions locally.
"It isn't just the fact that Galesburg needs them and deserves them. That's going to put a lot of people back to work. It's also going to give us the chance to get Burlington Northern to look at this as a hub, and at the end of the day, it's all about getting people to work so they can keep their health insurance."
Other marchers in the parade included the Galesburg Mayor Sal Garza, Galesburg Police and Fire Departments, a number of local schools marching bands, and other public officials.
Knox County Clerk Scott Erickson says he was happy to be out in the parade and it's always important to get out and support local labor. He says they are the backbone of the community and the nation.
Hare says if it wasn't for laborers, we would not have the 40-hour work week, child labor laws, time-and-a-half and paid time off. Hare says the parade was a great way to honor those people.
Hare says people just want a job that's safe, they want to put their kids through school, they want decent health care and then retire with a decent pension. He says it doesn't get any simpler than that.
(Thousands of people from across the area line Main Street in downtown Galesburg for the annual Labor Day Parade.)
(Miss Knox County smiles as she prepares to begin along the Labor Day parade route.)
(The Stearman complete their fly-over to begin the annual Galesburg Labor Day Parade.)
(17th District Congressman Phil Hare waves to those who lined the streets for the annual Galesburg Labor Day Parade.)
(Members of the Knoxville Marching Band play during the Labor Day Parade in Galesburg Monday.)
(Members of the ROWVA Marching Band dance as they march along Main Street in the Labor Day Parade.)
(A young girl passes out candy to other children at the annual Galesburg Labor Day Parade.)
(WGIL News Story and Photos by Dominic Fortini) |
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| 09 07 09 by Newsroom |
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