Labor Day

An annual celebration of the American worker

Today is Labor Day, a holiday with roots stretching back more than a century. The very first Labor Day was held in New York in 1882. The Central Labor Union wanted a day off “for working citizens.”

The idea spread across the states until the U.S. government recognized Labor Day as a federal holiday in 1894.

At one time, labor Day was a celebration marked by parades and speeches, public gatherings often organized by unions or large companies with many employees.

But over the years the idea of honoring working Americans has fallen by the wayside and Labor Day has become the traditional “end of summer” holiday, noted more for football, family outings and, for years, the Jerry Lewis Telethon.

It’s all well and good that we have a bit of fun as summer turns to fall. We deserve it.

But lets not forget that many of our friends and neighbors in Texarkana and the surrounding areas who also deserve a day off will be working this holiday.

Many.

Police officers and firefighters will be on the job, ready to protect and serve if needed.

Physicians, nurses and hospital workers will be there for those who are sick or injured.

Thousands of retail employees, service workers, restaurant and hotel employees and others who will be on the job to help those who are lucky enough to have the day off enjoy the holiday.

There are others, but you get the picture. You may run into these fellow citizens today. Hopefully you won’t have need of the police or fire departments, nor the hospitals. But you might do a little shopping, go out for meal or a movie, or stop at a gas station or convenience store.

Remember to be extra nice today to those who have a job to do. They might have to work, but it’s their day, too.