Labor Day, 2015

Labor Day signals the end of summer, even though there are about two or three weeks left, much like Memorial Day signals the advent of the season of HOT. Actually, while the Autumnal Equinox occurs on September 23, as of September 1, we already began Meteorological Autumn.

In addition, Labor Day heralds the start of a new school year, snow blowers on display at Home Depot and Halloween candy for sale just about everywhere. In fact, I saw candy on sale in a local grocery store on August 10th.

But Labor Day is also a solemn day where we recognize the achievements and tribulations of the American worker.

From the Department of Labor website:

"Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.”

LABOR DAY LEGISLATION

“Through the years the nation gave increasing emphasis to Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. From these, a movement developed to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During the year four more states — Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York — created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers, and on June 28 of that year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories."

Sadly, it seems we have forgotten the meaning of this day and instead, both union and non-union workers are expected to work in various retail, bank and other establishments. In most cases, they may be compensated with overtime or comparable time owed. But, in the end, this action truly does not recognize the American worker for his accomplishments.

I wish all of you a great holiday weekend, as you enjoy your days at the beach, or a park or in your backyard grilling up burgers and other summer delicacies. But at some point over the weekend, remember your fellow Americans for the work they do to serve all of us and our needs.

And let me say, I thank you, my fellow Americans, as you work hard in your fields to make our economy strong again and provide the goods and services all of us take for granted.