LABOR DAY

THEY WHO TREAD THE PATH OF LABOR

They who tread the path of labor follow where My feet have trod;
They who work without complaining, do the holy will of God;
Nevermore thou needest seek Me; I am with thee everywhere;
Raise the stone, and thou shalt find Me, clease the wood and I am there.

Where the many toil together, there am I among My own;
Where the tired workman sleepeth, there am I with him alone:
I, the Peace that passeth knowledge, dwell amid the daily strife;
I, the Bread of Heav'n am broken in the sacrement of life.

Every task, however simple, sets the soul that does it free;
Every deed of love and mercy; done to man is done to Me.
Nevermore thou needest seek Me; I am with thee everywhere;
Raise the stone, and thou shalt find Me; cleave the wood, and I am there.

LABOR DAY

Was it McGuire of Maguire? Either Peter McGuire or Matthew Maguire is the Creator of Labor Day.  Peter J. McGuire was an active labor organizer.  He was also general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and co-founder of the American Federation of Labor.  He was believed to be the first to suggest a day dedicated to American Workers and their accomplishments.  Matthew Maguire however, was secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York in 1882 and many believe that he proposed the holiday in 1882.

Always the first Monday in September.  Dedicated in honor of the worker, it is also appropriately called the "workingman's holiday".  The holiday is dedicated to you in respect and appreciation for the work you do in or outside of the home - union or non-union, big company, small company or government.  As long as you work or volunteer somewhere at something, this holiday is for you!

The first Labor Day was held in New York City on September 5, 1882 and was started by the Central Labor Union in New York City.  In 1884, it was moved to the first Monday in September where it is celebrated today.  Labor Day quickly became popular and one state after another voted it as a holiday.  On June 28, 1894, the US Congress voted it a national holiday.

Labor Day is also viewed as the official end of summer.  While the fall equinox is still a couple of weeks away, kids go back to school and summer vacations are over.  So this marks the end of the season.  Many people celebrate this weekend with one last picnic.  It is also the date that many close up the pool, and put away the boats.

ALWAYS FINISH

If a task is once begun,
Never leave it till it's done.
Be the labor great or small,
Do it well or not at all.

HAPPY LABOR DAY.