Take the day off.
Have a glass of lemonade, play a little golf, host a barbecue.
Whatever you choose to do on your Labor Day holiday, make sure that it suits you. The one day each year that we stop to appreciate the contributions of the American working man, or woman, is worth a little time to reflect.
Highlands has long been known as a haven for the section of society fortunate enough to retire early and enjoy their golden years in a second home or a full-time retirement residence. The number of country clubs, croquet lawns and tennis courts around town point to a simple life of leisure.
But unless they were born into generational wealth, at some point in life most Highlanders worked in either the public or private sector. Our community is bettered by the inclusion of former doctors, lawyers, engineers, architects, veterinarians, craftsmen and a wide array of professionals that all offer something to the populous.
Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer celebrated on the first Monday of September, is meant for everyone who earned a paycheck applying their trade.
The first Labor Day was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, which organized the first parade in New York City. In 1887, Oregon was the first state of the United States to make it an official public holiday. By the time it became an official federal holiday in 1894, 30 states officially celebrated Labor Day.
For much of the area, including The Highlander office, Labor Day means a day off from the workplace. But not every American worker is so fortunate. Police officers, first responders, hospital staff, service industry and restaurant workers, retail employees and many other members of the workforce will be plying their trade on Monday. If you happen to encounter anyone one the job on Labor Day, be kind and thank them for their hard work.
Getting up and going to work every day, no matter the occupation, isn’t easy. Labor Day reminds us to acknowledge the effort.