A few times my life has touched, however tangentially, that of a hero. For Labor day, I’ll repeat this little story. Walter Reuther’s first heroic act was when he helped organize the takeover of the Ford Motor Plant and thus fought for the creation of the UAW.
He went on to be a scandal-free leader of the auto workers. Many look back at this time as the birth of the American middle class.
Years later, and after he had been shot, Walter Reuther moved across the street from us. I wouldn’t have noticed as I was a teenager doing teenager things. Except for the guards that patrolled his place around the clock.
Whenever I pulled up in front of my house with a date or a girlfriend lucky enough to drive, a man would wander over. “Okay, move along. We can’t have you parked here.”
Looking back, still a hero.
Joan, for as long as I've known you, you continue to amaze me with stories from your life. This is another one of those amazing life stories. Love, Camille
ReplyDeleteThis story is new to me, as well. Thanks for the snapshot of Mr. Reuther.
ReplyDeleteJoan, This is a phenomenal story, a slice of history. Thanks for sharing it. Kathy
ReplyDeleteAmazing!
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