Walter Reuther: Friend of the worker, enemy of the rich and powerful

Larry Itlong, Walter Reuther, and Cesar Chavez

This site is dedicated to the memory and work of Walter P. Reuther, who served as president of the United Auto Workers from 1946 until his death in an airplane crash in 1970. Reuther was a champion for the rights of workers, but he was just as dedicated to fighting for social justice.

In his eulogy at Reuther's funeral service, Henry Ford II said, "Walter Reuther was an extraordinarily effective advocate of labor’s interest. His tough-minded dedication, his sense of social concern, his selflessness and his eloquence all mark him as a central figure in the development of modern industrial history."

Philip Hart, former U.S. Senator from Michigan, also lauded Reuther's commitment to people in need: "You were part of Walter Reuther’s constituency if you were poor, powerless... if you were old, if you were sick."

Reuther truly lived his guiding philosophy: "There is no greater calling than to serve your fellow men. There is no greater contribution than to help the weak. There is no greater satisfaction than to do it well."

From one Fordsonite to another, here's to you, Walter!

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