The U.S. Senate passed a resolution late Tuesday night honoring linemen for their work in keeping the power on and designating April 18, 2013 as 'National Lineman Appreciation Day.'
The bill, introduced last week by Sens. Isakson (R-GA) and Bennet (D-CO), moved quickly and was passed by unanimous consent. It serves two main purposes – it "recognizes the efforts of linemen in keeping the power on and protecting public safety" and "supports the designation of April 18, 2013 as National Lineman Appreciation Day."
"Linemen are true public servants," said Nelle Hotchkiss, senior vice president of corporate relations for the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives. "They work every day in potentially hazardous conditions, oftentimes during extreme weather like hurricanes and ice storms, to keep the lights on for the rest of us."
Today, on National Lineman Appreciation Day as designated by the U.S. Senate, North Carolina's electric cooperatives ask you to the thank the linemen you see, whether they're working near your home, or you see them at a local restaurant, church or school event. "Linemen put their lives on the line every day without ever expecting any recognition from the community," Hotchkiss said. "Let's give them the recognition they deserve for their hard work and commitment to keeping the power on in our community."