More than 100 years after his death, a historical marker is unveiled in Sugar House Park in Salt Lake City, Utah. The park is the former site of the Utah State Prison, and the marker is near the old execution yard, where Joe Hill was shot in 1915.
“We would be honored to have you in attendance to witness this historic moment in Salt Lake City, as we celebrate the life and legacy of Joe Hill, whose tireless efforts in pursuit of justice and equality have left an indelible mark on history. This historic marker will stand as a symbol of his enduring spirit and will serve as a reminder of the power of collective action.”
Members of the Hägglund family in Sweden sent the following message to be read at the ceremony.
We are really happy about the Joe Hill marker at last being placed in Sugar House Park in Salt Lake City. There are many markers in Gävle, his birth city in Sweden, including the house where he grew up with his five surviving siblings and parents. This house is now part museum, part office for union work and a place for outdoor concerts in the summertime. So we feel that the SLC marker closes the circle of his life.
Looking around us in today’s world, with wars and divisiveness almost everywhere, we see the need to look at all 7 billion people as brothers and sisters. Or world citizens as Joe put it. We have only one world and are all responsible to make it a good place to live for everybody.
And we still have companies that don’t want their employees starting or becoming members in unions. Right now here in Sweden we have Tesla working against employees joining a union to ensure good working conditions. This has resulted in blockades and other unions striking. And one of the biggest financial companies just signed on to let their employees organize after months of stalling.
So, the ideas and ideals Joe Hill stood for are still needed for a change for the better all around the world. As descendants of Joe’s family, we thank you for preserving his legacy through your work for many decades. And now this marker.
The Hägglunds, thru Rolf Hägglund and Pia Hägglund Samuelsson
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