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[RC] Labor Day Observance - Julie Pearsall"Labor Day differs in every essential way from the other holidays of the year in any country," said Samuel Gompers, founder and longtime president of the American Federation of Labor. "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."Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. ***** The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership ? the American worker. -from "The History of Labor Day" @www.dol.gov In 2001 many Americans lit candles on their front porch or in a front window to honor the memories of those lost in the September 11 terrorist attacks. I got to thinking that all of those who died on that day were working. Since Labor Day has come to mean a free day off from work, why couldn't we also turn the end of that day into a memorial to all workers who have died on the job, not just during a single catastrophic event. Let's start a tradition of lighting a candle at the end of the day on Labor Day and be glad for the gifts of all those who work. I know most people HATE chain letters, so if you want to pass along this idea, be selective. Or, just print out this e-mail and post the idea on an office or community bulletin board. I am grateful for the opportunity to work and earn a living. Julie <>< =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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