Honoring Workers

It is Labor Day! This day, which comes the first Monday in
September, is a creation of the labor movement. It is
dedicated to the social and economic achievements of
American workers.

This day constitutes a yearly national tribute to the
contributions all workers have made to the strength and
well-being of our country. No one is really sure who first
proposed such an occasion. There are several potential
candidates for that honor.

The first Labor Day was celebrated on Tuesday,
September 5, 1882. Through the years, this nation gave
increasing emphasis to it. On June 28, 1894, Congress
passed an act making this first Monday a legal holiday in
the District of Columbia and the territories. God bless the
working man or woman! The vital force of labor has
added new dimension to the highest standard of living and
the greatest production the world has ever known.

Today the nation pays honor to a hero: the worker. Work
is a gift given to us by God. It allows us to be creative and
worthwhile to our fellow man. Work makes it possible for
us to care for our families. Work makes it possible for us
to support the work of God in missions outposts around
the world. Work helps to separate us from the animal
kingdom as we labor from our own initiative.

I have worked nearly every day of my life. As a kid, I
worked part-time in broadcasting. As a teen, I began
working full-time and have done so ever since. The older
I get, the more I love work and thank God for making it
possible. Thanks to everyone who ever hired me. May
God bless them for it.

God bless every worker!

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article originally appeared in the September 1, 2003 edition of Byline.