Labor Day honors those who make America great
The Labor Day holiday has always seemed poorly named or named just plain backward. Shouldn’t it be No-Labor Day or A Day Off from Labor Day or You Deserve a Break Today Day? How about changing the whole concept and having people who work take a day off and people who don’t work go to a job for the day?
We understand the philosophy of Labor Day; we just don’t think anyone with any marketing skills gave it its name. The day was set aside to celebrate the American labor movement and the contributions that labor — meaning the worker — has made to the strength and prosperity of the country. It has been a recognized federal holiday since the late 1800s.
That’s all well and good — and deserved — but this is one of the few holidays we celebrate for which there are few suggestions, if any, reminding us of what we’re celebrating. We tend to just look at it as the unofficial end of summer or another three-day weekend to enjoy.
And, on top of that, in today’s world, we don’t use the word ‘labor’ to mean work as much as in past times. We don’t even use the term ‘labor unions’ as much as in previous times. We call them ‘unions’ or ‘teachers’ unions’ or ‘public employees’ unions.’ Labor is a word used more frequently when talking about childbirth than anything else. And, somehow, we don’t think that is what this holiday is honoring, although maybe it should.
We would like to acknowledge the hard work done by the many workers over the years who have contributed so much to America’s greatness. This country would not be where it is without them. Henry Ford may have invented the car, but it took a lot of hardworking laborers to build all those Fords we see on the roads. Thanks to the working folks.
We would also like to acknowledge that this weekend, in many of our minds, is the unofficial end of summer. And the end of summer means the beginning of the school — a time of new beginnings, new opportunities and new growth and learning. It really is the first of the year for many of us.
So, Happy Labor Day. Enjoy the last three-day weekend before the weather starts turning cold and the days start getting shorter. Make it fun and enjoy the break from work or school.
On a different note, we want to send the people of southeast Texas and Louisiana and all those affected by power of Hurricane Harvey the prayers and best wishes of the people in New Mexico. We mourn those who have lost lives and pray for their families.
It’s difficult to imagine what the people who have lost everything are enduring, and we wonder how they will get through the rebuilding process. We can say with certainty it won’t be easy and it won’t be quick. Many things can be replaced, but the things that can’t be replaced are what will truly be mourned. Our prayers will be with you throughout the process.
Words are not enough to thank those people from New Mexico and other states who have helped with the disaster clean up. This country is blessed to have so many people willing to give their time and resources to help others. They have brought new meaning to the word ‘neighbor.’