As I was getting ready for my radio show this morning, I started thinking about what Labor Day really stands for. I don’t know what the national average of Americans working on Labor Day is, but 75-percent of the Chandler household is working, so I’m not sure the word “holiday” is appropriate to use when mentioning Labor Day, at least around my place.

Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894 with legislation passed by congress and signed into law by President Grover Cleveland. According to Wikipedia, the holiday is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of the American worker. In the early days, there were parades and organized activities all celebrating the American workforce.

I looked for one of these big traditional celebrations and there don’t seem to be any around the valley. Grand Junction, who has seemingly lost the penchant for a parade for every holiday, has nothing scheduled. Fruita, who hosts festivals for things like headless chickens and mountain bike tires, has skipped Labor Day and opted for a fall festival later this month. And Palisade, just off another big celebration, seems to think everything is peachy.

One thing you can count on for Labor Day is big sales, so maybe the more contemporary celebration is that of joining the masses in a quest to find the best deals.

So, whether you are or aren’t working Labor Day, try to find some time to relax and marvel in your achievements and contribution to the economy as part of the great American workforce. That’s what Labor Day is all about.

 

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