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OPA News Release: [09/09/2003]
Contact Name: Bob
Zachariasiewicz
Phone Number: (202) 693-4686
Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Hosts 9/11 Film
Premiere
“Up From Zero” Honors Ground Zero
Workers
WASHINGTON—New York construction workers who helped in the
rescue, recovery and clean-up efforts at Ground Zero are the focus of the new
documentary, “Up From Zero,” that will premiere at a special showing
hosted by U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao tonight at the National Museum
of American History. Secretary Chao will be joined by International Union of
Operating Engineers General President Frank Hanley and American History
Museum’s Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs James Gardner in hosting
the special preview of the one-hour film featuring original footage and
personal interviews with construction workers who risked their lives at the
World Trade Center site.
“This documentary is a tribute to the brave men and women of the
New York City building trades who put themselves on the line on September 11,
2001—and for nine months afterward—to reclaim Ground Zero. They
showed the world the best our country has to offer and reaffirmed our faith in
ourselves, our freedoms and our nation,” said Chao. “This film is the
story of their patriotism, courage and determination. I’m proud that the
U.S. Department of Labor played a part in helping to tell it.”
The film includes interviews with Greg Nolan, a crane operator with
Local 15 of the International Union of Operating Engineers; Rich Ostrander, a
dock builder with Local 1456 of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and
Joiners of America; Hugh Smith, a carpenter with Local 608 of the United
Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America; Chris Pillai and Willie
Quinlen, both iron workers with Local 40 of the International Association of
Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers; and Father Brian
Jordan, a Franciscan monk from St. Francis of Assisi church in New York City,
who ministered to workers at Ground Zero.
“Up From Zero” was produced by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Secretary Chao originally announced this initiative Sept. 11, 2002. DVDs will
be sent to the presidents of the local and international unions involved in the
film project and can be ordered free of charge at
www.dol.gov/opa/dvd.
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