...How do you see what the word 'labor' in Labor Day is?
Most of us did not grow up during the times when labor unions had to be created to defend workers’ rights and the abuse of laborers. Before 1894 when a law was signed to declare Labor Day as a legal holiday, it was not uncommon for the average American worker to labor 12-hours a day and 7 days a week to make a living. Children were a part of the workforce. The poor and recent immigrants faced difficult, sometimes unsafe, conditions which were created by abusive employers.
Learning from my Jewish brethren who are celebrating their New Year, I am learning to celebrate with contemplation rather than revelry. As I approach Labor Day, I think about the obvious impact that American workers have had on American lives. Hard-working Americans, after all, are the foundation of our country.
Many of us are fortunate that we learned a strong work ethic from our parents and mentors. In fact, I often credit—in addition to my parents—teachers, supervisors, and managers, whom I encountered early in life that set the example for me. They taught me to work hard in order to get ahead. They showed me principles of fairness and justice. Later, when I became a boss, I aspired to implement those lessons. My employees learned that if we outworked the competition, success would find us.
Let’s celebrate an old-fashioned term that has made America great, self-reliance.
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