Since 1910, the Teamsters logo has consisted of two horses’ heads, representing the complimentary forces of strength that are inherent in the Teamsters organization. A well-known emblem, most people recognize it but are unsure of the story behind it. The horses’ names are Thunder and Lightning, Thunder is male, Lightning female. Together, they symbolically represent the pillars of the Teamsters organization: quality and power, dignity and justice, strength and morality. The Teamsters are built on pillars that allow us to ensure that our Members’ needs are taken care of, that workers have access to their rights, and that our organization has the staying power to persist through the years.
Seventy-four people in Calumet, Michigan, died in what became known as the “Calumet Massacre.” About 500 youngsters and their parents had been taking part in a Christmas party for the children of striking copper miners when someone yelled “Fire!”. Within minutes, although there was no fire, dozens were trapped in a stairwell and trampled. The person who yelled was never identified, although many strikers said they thought it was a company guard. The copper strike dragged on until April 1914, but by then many of the strikers had left Calumet, forever touched by the Christmas party disaster. – 1913
Christmas Eve is the evening or entire day before Christmas Day, the festival commemorating the birth of Jesus. Christmas Day is observed around the world, and Christmas Eve is widely observed as a full or partial holiday in anticipation of Christmas Day. Together, both days are considered one of the most culturally significant celebrations in Christendom and Western society.