Trino Martinez, who joined the BMWE in June 1955 as a member of Lodge 2418, wrote the following letter to Secretary-Treasurer LaRue after receiving his 35-year membership pin.

What a surprise!!!

When I returned home from a meeting this afternoon, Sally (my dedicated and devoted wife of nearly half a century) gave me a package. Thinking it was similar to Reader's Digest' cheap gifts, I almost tossed it into the waste basket.

The net result is:

I am overwhelmed by unlimited emotion. And my emotions traverse from the bottom of my soul, to the zenith of my conscience, in a mantle of appreciation encompassing our unparalleled Brotherhood.

The most important men in our civilization, are those dedicated icons that gave all their vision...all their ability...and all their faculty...in supreme dedication to serve in the interest...direct the purpose...and ordain the destiny...of American organized labor.

Thirty-five years ago an Officer of Lodge 2418, spoke to a number of recently-hired men on a Bridge and Building gang committed to the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway.

This organizer did not have to spend a whole lot of time with me; I was raised and educated in Mexico, during the time my (deceased) father was a political leader, and the Mexican Government of that era encouraged and supported Mexico's labor unions. I immediately joined the BMWE, and the rest of my colleagues followed my example.

Today I am still a proud union member, and I consider this recognition the epitome of my life.

The American intellect does not understand the culture of the Latino people, since in myriad cases we do not speak English fluently. But within out intellect, we understand there is a performing deficiency, and we strive to overcome this deficiency, and, as a reward or result, we become outstanding achievers.

In my case, so desperately I strived to overcome my deficiency, that in a few years (I had transferred to the Maintenance of Way Department) my constant sequel was a series of promotions from trackman to supervisor, and on to become an expert in my line of commitment, and to establish excellent relationships under mutual cooperation with all supporting departments.

By observation: American Railroads do not appreciate a good leader.

Why? Because a good leader is a good motivator, and also, a good ambassador (so to speak). These exemplary qualifications are so contrary to the railroad's internal unwritten rules and policies because in their ruthless arrogance, they are "hell-bent" to keep organized labor off-balance, weak and disorganized.

Since my retirement (July 10, 1987), I have become a published poet and an accomplished writer (in bilingual language). I am currently engaged in a humanitarian effort to establish a National Crusade of Conscience, destined to organize...to mobilize...and to realize...a national movement ultimately dedicated to diminish the plight of the downtrodden, as I see, with my soul so much suffering...so much desolation...and so much despair.

I remain indebted with everlasting gratitude to the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes.

Trino M. Martinez

Alhambra, California

General Ignacio Zaragoza

The resplendent French steel glittered throughout the horizons...

But your omnipresent spirit, covered all the embattled zones.

College of Arms unleashed, the almighty height of space trembled;

And the enemy's blackish blood, affright...benumbed and curled.

The fire of your cannons, to the celestial paradise thundered...

And the enemy's ebony spirit - in agony - upon the sky sauntered;

Writing on the awful annals of warfare, Sygian pages of defeat,

As the mightiness of the world's supreme armies sounded retreat.

The invader's deeds of blood, eternally tainted... our history;

But the immortal defenders forever covered the country in glory.

A newborn sun! Astronomical fury... of a solder of conscience!

Throughout all eternity, ever grows... from moment, to moment.

The national basks: in the heroic consequential of transcendence.

Spark of a warrior: an astral comet in existence ever present!

Immortal remembrance: in stars! Engraved across the firmament.

Today, the olden Mexican motherland, rejoices in sovereignty...

To her almighty heroes, presenting homage for their gallantry.

Vivan los heroes mexicanos! Viva Mexico! Viva!... my country!

Trino Martinez

From The National Library of Poetry - Best Poems of 1996

NOTE:

My poem General Ignacio Zaragoza has reference to the battle Cinco de Mayo--May 5, 1862--in Puebla, Mexico, where an ill-prepared army under General Zaragoza heroically defeated the sophisticated French army. May 5^th is celebrated and observed almost to a parallel of Mexico's Independence Day.--Trino Martinez