inessential musings

“American workers stay longer in the office, at the factory or on the farm than their counterparts in Europe and most other rich nations, and they produce more per person over the year. The average U.S. worker
produces $63,885 of wealth per year, more than their counterparts in all other countries…”
-International Labor Organization

Today is the first Monday in September, Labor Day, a legal holiday in the U.S. that serves as our unofficial “last gasp of summer” three-day weekend. It also marks the beginning of the season for the National Football League and NCAA College Football. The NCAA usually plays their first games the weekend of Labor Day, with the NFL playing their first game the Thursday following. Traditionally celebrated with parades, picnics, and barbecues, Labor Day also marks the date after which it is no longer appropriate to wear white. But have we forgotten what Labor Day actually celebrates?

Labor Day is about the creation of the labor movement and dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It’s a yearly national celebration in tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. Samuel Gompers, founder and longtime president of the American Federation of Labor said, “Labor Day differs in every essential way from the other holidays of the year in any country… All other holidays are in a more or less degree connected with conflicts and battles of man’s prowess over man, of strife and discord for greed and power, of glories achieved by one nation over another. Labor Day…is devoted to no man, living or dead, to no sect, race, or nation.”

The holiday began in 1882, originating from a desire by the Central Labor Union to create a day off for the “working man” and became a federal holiday by Act of Congress in 1894. It’s celebrated today mainly as a day of rest that marks the symbolic end of summer for many.

In keeping with tradition, Dawn and I spent the three-day weekend with family and friends. We ran a few errands, ate a few hotdogs and took Steve and Lori’s boxer dog, Jasmine, on a walk along Lake Natoma. Jas is a real sweetheart and a pleasure to take on walks. Our regular route takes about an hour, but with Jas it took two, was considerably shorter and was much more “fun.” She stayed right beside us while we walked, laid down on the grass next to us for rests in the shade, wasn’t at all bothered by other dogs or people, chased sticks at the edge of the lake (and laid down in the water while we chatted with a kayaker), and was a joy to have along. We look forward to doing it again!

Tomorrow begins a four-day work week as we head towards cooler weather and the official end of summer. I’ll miss the longer days and summer activities but, truth be told, fall and spring are my favorite seasons. Winter, well, let’s just say that cold and wet are not my friends.