A Different Labor Day
“The plow is the symbol of labor and tillage of the soil. Without labor, neither knowledge nor wisdom can accomplish much.”
From the opening ceremonies of the Future Farmers of America
Labor Day has now passed without much of the usual fanfare, parades, and gatherings, and for many it was a quiet holiday weekend, due to the unique situation in our country. Throughout this whole pandemic, businesses and workers have been put to the test—the employers, the employees, and the unemployed.
Newfound Heroes
Our newfound heroes are those who have been maintaining our essential infrastructure through this crisis, many times with young children at home. Some have had to telecommute, with less than desirable home working conditions, while juggling their jobs, alongside homeschooling their children, or coping with daycare issues.
Throughout the country and close to home, there is a greater sense of appreciation for these front line workers—the teachers, doctors, nurses, and medical staff, including all the great front line workers at Grand Aire! Our employees have done what was needed to keep interstate commerce moving and general aviation flying and have not missed a beat. Better days are ahead, and we know by continuing to pull together we will get there.
The Dignity of Labor
Work is the backbone of our country and is one of the greatest American traits. The pride of a job well done and the determination to do it with excellence has been instilled in us since childhood.
President Grover Cleveland wrote in his 1884 presidential nomination acceptance:
“A true American sentiment recognizes the dignity of labor and the fact that honor lies in honest toil.”
He made Labor Day a national holiday ten years after making that pronouncement, and every year at this time, we have the privilege of honoring America’s great laborers.
A Better Tomorrow
As we work towards returning to normalcy and as we aspire for a better tomorrow, I hope the words of President (Elect) Ronald Reagan’s 1980 Labor Day speech at the Statue of Liberty, offers you as much great inspiration as they do me:
“…let us send, loud and clear, the message that this generation of Americans intends to keep that lamp shining; that this dream, this last best hope of man on earth, this nation under God, shall not perish from the earth. We will instead carry on the building of an American economy that once again holds forth real opportunity for all, we shall continue to be a symbol of freedom and guardian of the eternal values that so inspired those who came to this port of entry. Let us pledge to each other, with this Great Lady looking on, that we can, and so help us God, we will make America great again.”
God bless America!
Katrina Cheema