Posted September 14, 2017
For the first time in history, an American flag will fly atop the U.S. Capitol building on September 26th in honor and remembrance of asbestos victims for Mesothelioma Awareness Day.
Washington, D.C. has played an historic and crucial role in our work. Since 2004, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) and its community have traveled to D.C. several times each year to educate legislators and to advocate for a national ban on asbestos. It is in D.C. that we continue to gather annually as a global community for our Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference. And I have faith that it is from D.C. that one day soon a federal asbestos ban will finally be announced.
An ADAO contingency will be in D.C. on Mesothelioma Awareness Day for our 12th Senate Staff Briefing, and we will have the honor of seeing our special flag flying high above the chambers of Congress where we fight so hard for change. I will be sure to post photos and videos of our flag on my Facebook and Twitter so that we can all enjoy this moment in virtual togetherness. Look for #ENDMeso.
The ADAO community is eternally grateful for the work and advocacy of United States Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois and his tireless staff, for enabling this monumental occasion to become a reality. Please continue to call your elected officials and make your voice heard – Sen. Durbin’s actions are proof that Congress is listening.
While we have had our fair share of both victories and losses in this battle against asbestos, we are proud to celebrate and share this new milestone – and we hope you are proud, too. As you witness this historic flag fly, whether in person or online, may it serve as a symbol and reminder of the power of our collective voice as we fight for those who have been impacted by this horrific and preventable disease.
Remember, we need your help — invite and encourage your two U.S. Senators to send their Health, Environmental, Judiciary, and Veterans Affairs Staffers to our September 26 Congressional Staff Briefing.
It is because of your work that we are truly making change possible, on Capitol Hill and beyond!
In unity,
Linda