Pray for the dead, and fight like hell for the living

Several hundred people gathered in the coolness of the morning. It was 6;00 and we were at Washington Park in Groton, CT.

Speeches were made, taps was played, the National Anthem and Amazing Grace were sung.

But we weren't gathered to hear speeches or listen to music. we were gathered to honor the dead.

April 28 is Workers Memorial Day, a day set aside to honor those killed , injured or made ill as a result of the workplace.

It is also a day we rededicate ourselves to fighting for safety on the job.

That is why we have partnered with our entire Connecticut congressional delegation to push for tougher OSHA standards on the safety of healthcare workers. We are also advocating in Hartford for safe staffing legislation because adequate staffing has been proven to both improve patient outcomes and increase worker safety.

Labor advocate Mother Jones said it best, "Pray for the dead, and fight like hell for the living."