Here’s to the fruits of labor…

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