Nodler: Recognizing the American Worker

On September 5, 1882 in New York City, 10,000 workers assembled to participate in the first Labor Day parade. These individuals marched through Manhattan and gathered in Wendel’s Elm Park for a picnic, concert, and speeches to inspire improvements in working conditions at the time. New York’s Labor Day celebrations inspired similar events across the country. In 1894, Congress passed legislation making Labor Day a national holiday.

Many families and friends will gather this Labor Day at picnics and barbeques throughout Missouri. Others will take the long weekend as an opportunity to travel and enjoy the final days of summer. While the modern expression of Labor Day has changed, the meaning has not. It is still common to hear addresses by industrialists, educators, and government officials on the news or radio — speeches that praise the effort workers put forth every day in order to create a solid foundation for this country. The day is still a tribute dedicated to the American worker — a day set aside as a break from daily tasks to spend time with family and friends. As of May 2009, there were 155.1 million people older than 15 in the nation’s labor force. In the U.S., there are 7.2 million teachers, 2.8 million registered nurses, 729,000 social workers, and 751,000 farmers and ranchers. Each individual worker’s efforts help make our country great.

In Missouri for the month of July, the unemployment rate was 9.2 percent. The declining economy has left many Missourians without work, and families are struggling to get by. However, my experiences talking and meeting with these families has shown that the spirit of the workers in this state is resilient. They do not give up, and this is truly what will turn the economy in our state around. It is not the efforts of the government that will lead to economic recovery, but the efforts of the citizens of this state.

Labor Day today is celebrated as a time for relaxation and rest, but I know that the work ethic in our state does not rest. I recognize the dedication of workers, the very quality that allows Missouri to compete with its surrounding states. This Labor Day, I honor all of those who contribute to our nation and state’s workforce — building on the foundation created by generations before us who honored strength, leadership, and hard work. I wish everyone in the 32nd District a happy Labor Day.