A replacement placard commemorating labor leader Walter Reuther has been installed at the Wheeling Heritage Port.
Reuther, a former president of the United Auto Workers (UAW), is remembered for his tireless advocacy on behalf of working men and women. The installation serves as a tribute to his enduring legacy and the profound impact he made on the labor movement.
“We are a very proud and grateful union to have had a president like Walter Reuther to lead us,” said Mark Dowell, UAW Region 8 CAP/RW Representative. “We hope this placard shows our gratitude and thanks to Walter Reuther and his family for the sacrifices they made and the moral high ground they stood upon for our great union.”
Walter Reuther, who passed away 54 years ago, remains a beacon of inspiration for labor rights. His famous words, “There is a direct relationship between the ballot box and the bread box, and what the union fights for and wins at the bargaining table can be taken away in the legislative halls,” still resonate today. The memorial serves as a reminder to all that voting is vital in protecting workers’ rights and well-being.
The interpretive signage, installed by Wheeling Heritage with funding from the United Auto Workers (UAW), highlights Reuther’s contributions and emphasizes the importance of civic engagement in advancing and preserving labor rights.
Would you like to help preserve local history and contribute to the revitalization of Wheeling’s story? Wheeling Heritage offers opportunities to sponsor the restoration of Historical & Neighborhood Interpretive signs throughout the area. To learn more about this initiative, contact Wheeling Heritage at (304) 232-3087 or email info@wheelingheritage.org.
