Labor Day----What it means and how to observe it
Posted: Wednesday, August 23, 2006
by Sandra E. Graham
My Books and Articles
One might think that the words labor day actually mean a day away from labor for most people since it’s a national holiday, but for most it just means a day to do a different kind of labor. For some people, including myself, taking a holiday away from work just means more work with a different label. But no matter how you plan to spend your holiday, I am sure we are all grateful to have one more day away from the office or plant to celebrate the near end of summer.
There has always been some confusion about who actually suggested a day to honor the working class person, but since it had some ties to the Labor Union, someone proposed that it be called Labor Day. Over a century ago, for whatever reason, President Cleveland signed the bill that made it a national holiday. Giving us all one more excuse to get the family and friends all together and to fire up the barbeque grill one last time for the summer.
For what is a Labor Day holiday without a cookout? The day itself may commemorate the working class with its parades and that ever so popular day off with pay, but the picnics and cookouts were more for the benefit of the whole family. The barbequed ribs, the apple pie and homemade ice cream, the laughter and the warmth of sharing. It was as though the Labor Union was saying we’re a family, let’s take this day and celebrate together.
Although unions have become less and less in the limelight, every first Monday in September will, hopefully, always remain a special day to remind us of the laborers who made the sacrifices that afforded our working class peoples the benefits that we enjoy today. And when we gather with our friends and families to enjoy this time of celebration we need to think about what and for whom this day is set aside and give special thanks to all those who worked so hard and gave so much to preserve the rights of others.
There are holidays that commemorate a certain person’s birthday or day of death, there are holidays that set aside days for certain events or occasions, but this day is a special day for all of those who have and all of those who will work for a living. For all of you, this is your day, enjoy it and celebrate.
Celebrate the shorter working hours, the higher wages, the safer and cleaner work environments, the better health care benefits, more paid holidays and the list that goes on and on. To our predecessors we owe it all and for that we should give thanks and make plans to have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend next month.
End
Sandra E. Graham, author Amos Jakey, published by ABP. Aug. 2006
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Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)Article was light and enjoyable; worthy of posting in a local newspaper.
I didn't know that. I always wondered what Labor Day was actually celebrating.
Very good article. My family and myself enjoy our Labor Day cook outs very much and are looking forward to having a nice week-end coming up.
I've read all of Sandra's article and can't decide which one I like the best Keep up the good writing Sandra, you have me hooked.
Dear Sandra,A very good overview of Labor Day. Nicely said, and nicely done.Since, as you know, I own a company, I have many emploees to worry about, and I take note of your comments regarding unions, and righfully so. I am not for unions, and I mean to say.Much blood was shed, and much pain was endured by the American workers in the past, and it is thanks to the unions, and nobody else, that we have and enjoy the living standards we have in America today.Well done Sandra,Your pal,OlofThanks, Olof, for reading and commenting on my article. We are about ready to celebrate another Labor Day. Home you have an enjoyable one with your family and friends.Sandra
Loved it.OscarThanks for reading and commenting Oscar. I'm glad you enjoyed the article.Best wishes.Sandra
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