Only three days before the terrorist attack on New York, Local 237 members and thousands of other proud unionists and their supporters marched joyously up Fifth Ave. to celebrate the freedoms granted to workers in this nation.

The theme for the September 8 event was “Good Schools Matter,” which made Randi Weingarten, the president of the United Federation of Teachers, the logical person to be Grand Marshal and march at the head of the parade.

Because it is a most important election year, candidates for all offices being contested on Election Day — recognizing the value of the Labor vote — also tried to march in the forefront of the parade.

President Carl Haynes led the Local 237 contingent, which was bedecked in yellow T-shirts, up Fifth Ave. He was sought out by many of the top politicians in the city and state who eagerly sought to show their support of Labor and working families.

“In the light of the subsequent tragedy at the World Trade Center, the condition of the schools in the city might seem less important and urgent,” Haynes asserted. “But our children are our future. They are to be our country’s leaders. They must be given every opportunity to fulfill their true potential.

“As we contemplate how to rebuild our city, our country, let’s also find the resources to rebuild our school system.”