On Monday, September 5,
we, as a nation, celebrate Labor Day; a day to “celebrate the efforts of workers
past and present that have helped provide the social, political and economic
backbone of this country.”
Is that what comes to
mind when you think of Labor Day? Hmm? There’s no doubt that this holiday
signifies different things to different people. For some it marks the
unofficial end of summer; the last official barbecue and the ceremonial closing
of the pool. Kids and teachers are back to school and fall sports are back in
full swing. For old school fashionistas, it may mean no more wearing white; for
others it marks one of the biggest sales days of the year.
In fact, it all
started in 1882 at a parade to celebrate workers in New York City. Early in the
day, attendance was low but by day’s end more than 10,000 people had
participated in the parade and accompanying festivities. States and cities
across the country soon began to adopt Labor Day as a celebration and in 1894,
the first Monday in September was officially declared a national holiday.
Since that time, much
has changed and continues to change; some of it good, some of it not so good;
sometimes moving forward, sometimes moving back. One fact that hasn’t changed
is that workers – hard working, dedicated and unshaken – are the wheels that
keep our country moving forward. Whether you work for a company or are
self-employed, work in an office or are a physical laborer, no matter what
industry or discipline you work in – your contributions are vital to keeping
our country on the right track.
This Labor Day, amidst
all the activities that may be going on, take time to celebrate you and the
contributions that your hard work makes to our society.
Here’s to the fruits
of your labor.
Posted by MJ Thomas
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