Labor Day is usually the last remnant of the summer vacation. We either have our last cookout on the patio, go shopping to catch the end-of-summer sale, or head to the beach for that last dip in the ocean before the Fall/Winter season. However, we all should take a moment to appreciate the meaning of the holiday.
Becoming a federal holiday in 1894, the first Monday of September is the day that was chosen to observe the social and economic contributions of the American worker to our country and to the world. These contributions were numerous and life changing. All you have to do is look around in your own city to get a glimpse of the ingenuity of the American worker.
Here are just a few of those amazing contributions in my city – the Houston/Galveston area:
- the Astrodome – the world’s first domed stadium and 8th wonder of the modern world
- NASA Mission Control – helping to put the first man (an American) on the moon
- Galveston Seawall – built to protect that portion of the Gulf Coast after the 1900 Hurricane that killed 8,000 persons which is still considered one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history.
- Houston Ship Channel – a 100+ year-old “man-made’ deep water seaport which has made Houston one of the busiest seaports in the U.S. It is still considered a feat of civil engineering to this day.
I know that one of the key ingredients of the American worker is the “we can” attitude. When there is a problem, a need, and/or an opportunity to reach beyond limits the American worker will show up. We should all take a moment to honor and embrace that trait on Labor Day.
Happy Labor Day, my fellow Americans!
Questions(s):
Can you share what marvels exist in your city from the efforts of the American worker?
