Did someone once say that Labor Day is a day to rest from all of your LABORS. Holy crap it took me how many years to figure that out. I always thought it was a day to LABOR. Well, I was unable to explain that to Brian this morning as he walked out the door for Rexburg to LABOR at the shop. He is going into town to work on some electrical issues, clean, do tax work, fix bikes, and whatever else he can think of doing while the doors are CLOSED. Being in business for yourself is a challenge. You never have a day off no matter what holiday it is.LABOR DAY
Labor Day weekend has become the unofficial end of summer and a reason to cook hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill. But we should never forget the real reason is to celebrate one's own work, whether or not you carry a union card. We must always treasure and appreciate the daily grind, no matter if you're a million-dollar corporate attorney or the plumber unclogging the bathroom toilet. I ask that we refocus our reason for the holiday.
Labor Day was the brainstorm of Peter McGuire, a fiery red-headed cabinet maker who became the first president of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America in 1881. The first Labor Day parade was held in 1882 in New York City with as many as 10,000 workers attending. Workers from various occupations and backgrounds came together to celebrate this first Labor Day even though they were warned by their employers not to attend. Despite stern warnings of firings, these workers showed up singing songs and being proud of their own contribution to our country's economic success. Twelve years later, President Grover Cleveland, a staunch foe of organized labor, signed a Labor Day holiday bill.
This Labor Day weekend, as we have our burgers, and potato salad, let us never forget what our forefathers did so we could enjoy rights in the workplace. Celebrate your own contribution to society and enjoy a day to relax and contemplate work, country, faith and your family. BLAH, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH!
Well, the William's family will NOT be celebrating this holiday season. No burgers, no potato salad, and definitely no hot fudge sundays......we will just be WORKING like frigin pathetic business owners. HAPPY HOLIDAY.
3 comments:
heather, you don't even know how to rest!!! You can't even post on your blog without laboring to do the research necessary to give us that nice history lesson! I however am very good at resting. For example, right now I'm sitting on my couch cuddled under a blanket resting off my Olive Garden over-eating session. Don't worry, I ate enough for both of us! hee hee!
cort worked too...sometimes, you have to work even if you are employed by someone else. Holidays are always the busiest days at the golf course.
Cooper's been 'WORKING' at growing those gorgious locks of hair . . .now, that's 'WORK'!
Loved our visit!
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