Mishawaka holds Workers Memorial Day ceremony

MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- The City of Mishawaka and the Unions of the Northern Indiana Chapter of the Area Labor Federation held a ceremony at the Ball Band Memorial Worker's Memorial Monday to recognize Workers Memorial Day and remember those who've suffered a work injury or died on the job.

April 28 marks the anniversary of the passage of the Occupation Safety Health Act.

Gregg Hixenbaugh, the President of the Mishawaka Common Council, stated, "Today, we've gathered for our annual workers memorial ceremony. Each year, we come together not only to celebrate the contribution that workers make to our community, but perhaps more importantly, to remember those who have lost their lives in the workplace, both across the nation and here locally."

Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood also made a proclamation at the ceremony touching on workers organizing for the fight for safer work conditions.

"I personally lost my brother-in-law about 25 years ago in a workplace accident. He was electrocuted. So, this is very personal to me. His name was Jerry, a great guy, and he should have never lost his life. So, it's personal to me, but we want to make sure that while we honor why we while we commemorate the lives of those who have been hurt or injured or have died, we want to make sure that we prevent other incidents in every workplace. So, folks, every time they work, worker goes to work, their family members can say, 'I know he's coming home, or I know she's coming home.' So that's what it's about," said Matthew Lentsch, Executive Director of Development and Governance.