Labor Day always evokes several emotions for me. On one hand, I'm happy for the long weekend. On the other hand, it signals the unofficial end of summer. Yeah, I know the summers on the east coast can be uncomfortable at times. But there's just something about summer that naturally makes me happy. Maybe it's the abundance of outdoor activity or maybe it's just the sun itself. Either way, I always get a little sad when the season is over.
When I was a kid, Labor Day also signaled the beginning of the school year. For most kids, the Tuesday after Labor Day was the day everyone made their way to their new classroom. My elementary school did not have air conditioning, so the days of early September could be quite brutal. If you were really lucky, your teacher might bring an oscillating fan into the classroom. It basically just circulated the hot, damp air around the room. But it gave the illusion of a polar vortex.
Modern day kids are now starting school before Labor Day. Even though I no longer have any skin in the game. I still don't like it. Let the kids have the extra week of summer!
Labor Day was made an official federal holiday in 1894 when it was signed into law by President Grover Cleveland. Initially, the holiday only applied to federal workers. But through subsequent years, all 50 states eventually followed suit and made the first Monday of September an official holiday for all. In case anyone is keeping score, Oregon was the first US state to officially declare Labor Day a holiday.
Of course, in our 24/7 world, not everyone can take the day off. Try to keep that in mind if you're out and about today. Consider throwing an extra bit of "nice-ness" to those folks who are keeping the wheels turning on this holiday weekend. If you happen to be at a bar/restaurant, add a few extra bucks to your tip. If you're at the check-out line at a grocery store, show the cashier some appreciation. If you see a first responder, thank them for what they do today and every day.
There is undoubtedly plenty of blood, sweat and tears that go into making this country so great. Today, we celebrate the hard-working people all over America. It doesn't really matter what particular duty they might perform. Everyone has a role to play.
At the very least, I hope everyone gets a chance to relax a bit today. Fire up the grill, crack a beer, laugh with some friends, etc. Today is your day. Enjoy it!
kw
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