37th IBEW Convention Opens
with Fanfare, Sept. 11 Tribute

September 11, 2006

Five years to the day after Sept. 11 changed the world, the New York Local 3 Sword of Light Pipe and Drum Band marched into the Cleveland Convention Center playing the Marine Corps Hymn to usher in an emotional opening to the 37th IBEW International Convention.

“As we remember the events of five years ago, we also pray for those who died that day,” said Bishop Richard G. Lennon of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, who presented the invocation.  “We pray for all of their loved ones who still carry the scars of that loss.  We pray for our countries, the United States and Canada, that all people of good will work to establish lasting peace on the face of this Earth.”

A video tribute showed footage of the reaction of the 36th International Convention in San Francisco to the tragedy of Sept. 11.  Secretary-Treasurer Jon Walters then led the Convention in the singing of “God Bless America.”

IBEW Fourth District International Vice President Paul Witte opened the Convention as the temporary chairman, welcoming the delegates on behalf of the Fourth District.

“Brothers and sisters, I firmly believe that this Convention will be recorded as one of the most important weeks in the history of the IBEW,” Witte said.  “We have important decisions to make, judgments that will leave a great impact on the lives of our members.  We all have an obligation to fully participate in the business of this Convention and to make wise decisions as we chart the future of the IBEW.”

Linda Crawford, wife of Seventh District International Representative George Crawford, sang the “Star Spangled Banner.”  Craig Flemming, nephew of First District Vice President Phil Flemming, sang the Canadian National Anthem.  The Canadian Highlander Militia Regiment Pipe and Drum Band performed and presented the Canadian flag.

Finally, after an energetic, beat-driven performance by a dance troupe outfitted in industrial costumes, the hall quieted and darkened.  The song “Lean on Me” played on the sound system, and on the stage, two figures – International President Edwin D. Hill and Secretary-Treasurer Jon Walters – appeared amidst the rising stage fog.  In dramatic fashion broadcast on more than 30 wide screen and plasma television monitors, they descended one story in an elevator and entered the Convention to a hall of cheering delegates.    

Two official Convention gavels were crafted by members from the Fourth District.  One was made of wood from a ginko tree dating to 1891, the founding year of the IBEW.   President Hill then called the Convention to order.