Labor Day weekend is the traditional end of summer vacation and, at least it used to be, the last big party before school resumes for the kiddies. (Now a days, some schools start up in August).
Most people think cookout, hotdogs, hamburgers, and fun. But there is a history behind this day; and it’s a history of the working people of this nation.
These days, the unions are associated with thugs and propaganda, but when they were originally formed they served to bring about such things as the 8-hour work day and the abolition of child labor.
My dad was a proud member of the United Rubber Workers of America and it was because of the good wages and working conditions fought and won by the union that my sisters and I were able to go to college and make our own way in life.
I guess we were working class, or some might say lower class, but we never knew it, because all of our needs were met by my first generation father and the job he had in the local tire factory. So, although I know union-bashing is hip and cool these days, I still honor and respect what was achieved for people like my dad and his generation as a result of the union movement.
This video is a series of short clips from the History Channel that takes a look at the origin of Labor Day. Enjoy and have a glorious weekend. (And thanks, Dad, for all the hard work and effort you put forth for your family and all of the happy memories of our Labor Day picnics with family and friends.)
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