Labor Day is for the individual

Labor Day. It's about honoring the honest, hard work of the everyday Jane and Joe. The workers who are in the trenches, making this country move forward. The clerk, the food server, the grocery bagger, the day laborer, the bus driver. The teachers. The carpenter, plumber and electrician, the sheet-metal worker. The nurse. The custodian. The traffic cop. The gardener, the newspaper and mail carrier, the railroad engineer. The car salesman, the florist, the seamstress. The car mechanic, the road worker, the prison guard. The librarian, the museum worker, city clerk, bank teller, meter reader, trash hauler. The fast-food worker. The snowplow driver.

This page would fill with lists of average people doing their level best to make a decent day's wage, trying to do right by their family. Trying to be responsible. Trying to make a difference. Trying to reach for that American dream.

The first Monday of September was set aside by Congress in 1894 as a day to recognize the industrial worker. At a time when America's labor force was shifting from countryside fields to the city's factories, and with corporations taking advantage of undereducated employees, including immigrants, America rose up to credit those who were keeping this mighty nation moving forward.

The labor movement of the late 1800s and early 1900s further called attention to adverse working conditions and poor pay. It also called attention to the harm in employing children.

Labor Day has evolved in the 21st century as a time to recognize the individual, as a time to rest and reflect on what American workers do for our nation.

Whether to raise the federal minimum wage is becoming another issue for November's elections. But regardless of the outcome of that debate, the fact remains, millions of Americans will still find their way to work every day.

Today is an American holiday born to honor all who believe in the system of free enterprise and the inherent right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Even if the road is detoured with a sagging economy, unemployment and concern about outsourced jobs, the average American is unflagging.

Today is the day to celebrate the perseverance of the 21st century worker. Let us rekindle our esteem for the tenacity of America's workforce that makes this country function. We honor those behind the scenes doing the mundane, those who are the backbone of our great nation. Without the average laborer we would not progress, we could not prevail.

It is our love of country that, on this Labor Day, makes us optimistic about America's future.

Today is the laborers' day. Our hard hats are off to you.

WELD COUNTY LABOR DAY ACTIVITIES

«WINDSOR HARVEST FESTIVAL PARADE, 10 a.m., west on Walnut Street to 7th Street, south on 7th Street to Eastman Park Drive, Windsor.

«85TH ANNUAL WINDSOR HARVEST FESTIVAL, "A Harvest of Memories," 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m., various activities at various venues throughout the day in Windsor. Details and schedule, go to www.windsorharvestfest.com.

«ROCKIN' FOR MDA, 10 a.m.-midnight, Good Time Towne Tavern, 2504 6th Ave., Garden City. Live entertainment, dunk tank, games, prizes, food and drink, auction, car/bike show, dart/pool tournaments. Proceeds benefit Muscular Dystrophy Association for kids in Weld County. Details, 353-4649.

«LABOR DAY RALLY/ICE CREAM SOCIAL, state Rep. Jim Riesberg host, 3:30-5:30 p.m., Gazebo in Glenmere Park, 19th Street and 15th Avenue, Greeley. Live music, speeches, ice cream sundaes and root-beer floats. Suggested donation, $10. Open to all. Details, 346-1212.