Labor Day is a glorious holiday because your child will be going back to school the next day. It would have been called Independence Day, but that name was already taken. ~Bill Dodds
Labor Day Weekend is upon us. To me it signals the end of summer, just like Memorial Day Weekend is my internal cue that it is beginning. In some areas it is also the last weekend before school starts and certainly the last time anyone should wear white. Labor Day Weekend usually promotes big sales in areas that have malls. My thinking is the concept may have outlived its usefulness not that I am ever one to turn my back on a Federal holiday. I take my long weekends anytime or any way I can get them.
Its not that we don’t need labor or holidays that celebrate them, but self-admittedly I don’t use the day for that purpose, nor does anyone I know. I don’t know of any rallies scheduled or pep talks planned which doesn’t mean they don’t exist; I am just not familiar with any. Who knows, I could actually be missing out on the biggest party on the planet!
Originating in 1882 under the leadership of President Cleveland, it was his attempt to reconcile with the Labor movement of the time. His proposal was to encourage parades followed by a festival for the workers and their families. It was an opportunity to unite workers and trade and labor organizations. Old movies portray families picnicking in the park while listening to boisterous speeches from leaders, typically old white men.
As an American worker, I admire the tenacity of those that have gone before me to ensure my workplace worthiness. Thanks to the labor movement I have a safe environment to toil in and Sundays off. I do appreciate the concept of Labor Day but think the idea needs a makeover. We should either go Retro or return to the core reasoning’s behind the Day or move forward and attempt to capture a new essence. Perhaps we could induct a “Patriots Day” to take the place of Labor Day using up all the leftover red while and blue trimmings we have left over from Fourth of July.
Other holidays I would like to see revamped include Arbor Day. With the influx of green initiatives, why not make more of this one and move it to March. We need an antidote to Valentines Day, acknowledging not everyone is as involved as Hallmark wants to make you think we are. What about a National Day of the Woman since not every female is a mother? Same for Fathers Day—there are some great guys out there doing amazing things for the world in general that have not sired any kids.
Whatever you end up doing this long weekend ahead, just keep in mind, Summer 2010 is officially over and it’s a long haul to Thanksgiving, so use this free time wisely!
Dont forget...Founders Day 2010 is right around the corner as well. Put it down on your family calendar to attend the fun festivities.