Everything worthwhile takes time, effort, and people never giving up.
And every human being wants to be recognized and appreciated. And valued.
In 1882, New York was the site of the first march to recognize American workers. Laborers whose workday was typically 12 hours, 6 days a week. They wanted recognition of their efforts and contributions to society. They wanted better lives. They believed they deserved those things. And they did.
Twelve years later in 1894, after over 30 states had declared a state holiday to recognize and show appreciation for laborers, the federal government passed a law for a national Labor Day.
And in 1916, to avoid a national railroad strike, the Adamson Act passed, granting an 8-hour work day to railroad workers. To acknowledge their difficult and important jobs, and improve their lives.
Over the decades since, others have persevered to make working lives better. To standardize treatment and pay and hours and rights.
To all the workers who have labored to make our lives better work-wise, socially, and economically:
Thank you.
And Happy Labor Day!
Who are you grateful for this Labor Day?
Recognition — Appreciation — Help: Who are you grateful for this Labor Day? Share on XJoni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.
May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.
I am grateful to all the ones who work to make my life run smoothly. The ones who drive trucks and supply our stores with food. The ones who stock the shelves. Medical personnel that never take holidays off so we can be assured of care in an emergency. The ones that bring gas to our service stations. To preachers who work to prepare sermons each week that reinforce a relationship with God. There are too many to count who make my life better, and I am grateful:) Your post is a good reminder of all we have to be thankful for today.
Thanks for your thoughts – I agree and am so grateful for everyone who helps others, whatever their job.
Joni,
Agree! But so many are having to work on Labor Day which sounds a bit “off” to me. With all the other non-sensical “holidays” on which workers may take off, this one seems logical. Yet—many will show up for work.
Thanks for recognizing the people who fought to make things better for all workers.
D
Thanks for reading and sharing, Debbie. I appreciate your support and comments.
Great post, Joni. I agree.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Tim. I appreciate your faithfulness to support my writing. Hope you have a good day.