Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C. -- In about 24 hours, you will step off from work and onto a lengthy Labor Day weekend.
For some of you, it is an ironic holiday allowing you to celebrate work by not working. For others, it signifies the start of school, the beginning of fall and, for the fashion-conscious, the cutting out of white clothes from your wardrobe.
But how many recognize the true reason for the establishment of Labor Day?
Labor Day was originally instated to honor the great social and economic achievements that Americans have made throughout this nation’s history.
As Peter J. McGuire, co-founder of the American Federation of Labor put it, Labor Day honors those “who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold.”
It was first celebrated in New York on Sep. 5, 1882. Over the next decade, 23 states joined in on the recognition of America’s labor force. Today, our nation celebrates Labor Day every first Monday of September, to honor the 155.7 million individuals that, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, create America’s current workforce.
While today Labor Day is given more recognition than perhaps it was in 1882, the true importance of the holiday seems to have strayed significantly.
Think back to those who laid the foundation for America. Despite the daunting challenges they faced in taming the land and fighting the unknown, they gave wholeheartedly of themselves to overcome and create a home in a new world.
Throughout our nation’s history, the same caliber of hardworking Americans defended their home and rights through personal sacrifice and great cost.
How can we then reduce their efforts and the commemoration of Labor Day to something as menial as a death sentence on the white sundress in the closet?
The traditions that have sprung up around Labor Day weekend are not in themselves wrong, but do not forget to allot time to honor those who made our nation what it is today.
Continue to honor those men and women by having the same work ethic and moral fiber in your own contributions to our country throughout the remainder of the year.