November 13, 2024
Veterans Day at Local 5285
Daimler Truck, Mt. Holly, NC
By Derek C. Smith
LUCA correspondent

Former members of the U.S. armed services gathered twice Thursday to observe Veterans Day at the Mt. Holly Truck Manufacturing Plant.
First shift veterans met at the flagpole near the main entrance at 6:30 a.m. while second shift gathered at 3:30 p.m. They were also treated to a meal and door prizes during their respective lunch breaks.

Veterans Committee chairman Mike McManus, a Pre-Paint Chassis team leader, welcomed the veterans and introduced Chaplain John Benton, EAP representative, who led the group in prayer.
“Father, we bow before your name (today). We thank you Lord for life, health and strength. I thank you Lord for my brothers and sisters that served in our military services,” Benton said.
The participants then recited the Pledge of Allegiance and heard from Plant Manager Joanna Cooper.

“This is always a special day for me and Grandfather, who served,” she noted. “We really thank and appreciate you all for the years of service protecting this country and our families. We thank you, for not only being a part of this Mt. Holly family, but what you allow this Mt. Holly family to do. Every year we try to make this event better and better to show you how much we care and say you’re special.”

UAW Local 5285 President/Shop Chair Ricky McDowell added, “to our courageous veterans, I am so grateful for your service and sacrifice to serve every American in this country. You have used your life in a way that blesses so many others. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for everything you have sacrificed for this country.”

Veterans Day (Nov. 11) is an American legal holiday dedicated to veterans of all foreign wars. In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year, an armistice was declared between the Allied nations and Germany, and hostilities were temporarily ceased at the end of World War 1. It became a federal holiday in 1938.
The plant closure and day off work for Daimler employees at Mt. Holly TMP is collectively bargained with the UAW.