HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 1970.05.21 - 16544.5— 3 cTO
May 20, 1970
MEMORIAL TRIBUTE TO WALTER P. REUTHER
TO THE OAKLAND COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen!
WHEREAS, the untimely death of Walter Reuther, who perished in a plane
crash along with Mrs. Reuther and four others on Saturday evening, May 8, 1970,
brought an overwhelming sense of loss and grief to countless millions of people, from
all walks of life, throughout this nation and most of the world; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Reuther was born September 1, 1907, in Wheeling, West Virginia,
left school at the age of 15, came to Detroit at the age of 19, where in 1935 he joined
the newly organized UAW and started on a career of trade union leadership that was to
gain for him the recognition as one of the most respected leaders this country has ever
known with achievements beyond recording in any single tribute; and
WHEREAS, the clear cut understanding of the goats of dignity which he wanted
for his people was pressed with a conviction of purpose, skill, courage, reason and
tenacity which helped bring a better life I ions across the nation; and
WHEREAS, the existing national pattern of improved provisions to meet the
problems of unemployment, minimum income, improved retirement and health benefits
stand as a permanent memorial to the success of his dedicated and untiring efforts; and
WHEREAS, the tremendous energy of this magnificent leader was brought to bear
in support of a wide range of undertakings directed toward the attainment of goals of
social justice and the betterment of the living opportunity of his fellow man; and
WHEREAS, the people of Oakland County take pride in having the Reuther
family as resident neighbors and active participants in community affairs in their
midst throughout the last 20 years of the lives of Waiter and May Reuther;
OAKLAND COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
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NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners that the Board, speaking for themselves and for the people of the
County of Oakland, loin the family, the officers and members of the UAW, the ranks
of labor and people throughout the world in mourning the loss of one of America's
most dynamic and dedicated leaders, and offer this tribute as a memorial in
recognition of Walter P. Reuther's unique contribution and distinguished service to
his fellow man; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Memorial Tribute be spread upon the
minutes of this meeting of the Board and that certified copies thereof, with the Seal
of the County of Oakland affixed thereto, be transmitted to the family of Mr. Reuther
and to the UAW as testimony to the high regard held for him in life and in memory by
the people of the County of Oakland in the State of Michigan.
MR., CHAIRMAN, on behalf of the entire membership of this Board, I move
the adoption of the foregoing resolution.