John Olsen

John Olsen served as president of the Connecticut AFL-CIO for 25 years.
25 years!

Imagine all the changes in that time.
Imagine the struggles, the victories, the defeats, the disappointments, the sleepless nights, the extreme highs.

Now he retires.
Not to sit in the sun, but to serve his fellow man some more, working with the John J Driscoll United Labor Agency and the Elderly Housing Development and Operations Corporation.
You see, John is tough and gruff on the outside, but his heart beats true with the desire to help those who others beat down, the homeless, the hungry, the immigrant, the disenfranchised.

Last Friday night, John was in a packed room of like minded people.  People to whom he is an example of how to live.  Care for your fellow man and don't be afraid to fight for them.

The Governor, both U S Senators, all 5 U S Representatives, Ted Kennedy jr, Rich Trumka, President of the AFL-CIO, and a house full of union presidents and leaders, gathered to honor John and celebrate what he stands for.

Many gave speeches, many cheers went up. but no cheer was louder than the cheer for the union hotel workers who were serving us diner.  It was fitting because that's what John Olsen stands for, what he has dedicated his life to, what he has shown to us time and time again.
It can be summed up as this:

All work has meaning.
All people deserve respect.

Thanks John.