By Julie Seedorf, Something About Nothing

It is Labor Day! Families are spending a last weekend enjoying the end of summer. Kids are getting ready to make that journey to school and we celebrate the American worker.

The working climate has changed since this day was created in the late 1800s. We were in the middle of the industrial revolution and manufacturing jobs were the staple of America. It was a time where working conditions were unsafe and wages were very low. Unions started to organize.

This Labor Day I would like to remember not just the American workers who still have jobs, but I would also like to honor those American workers who have lost their jobs in this economy. I would like to honor those American workers who every day look for new jobs and keep the hope in America going.

These workers are from all walks of life. They are managers, nurses, factory workers, police, fireman, teachers, secretaries, store clerks and the list is endless. They are still part of the working climate in America and need to be recognized on Labor Day, too.

These people need to not be forgotten.

For some families. the journey back to school is a hardship because they have nowhere to live and no money to support the endless things kids need in school. For some families the end of summer means the harsh reality of winter and finding shelter. These were our American workers, and they will be back in the workforce someday.

So on this Labor Day, let’s support all our workers in the many vast areas and fields that they work. Let us also show appreciation for those who are looking for work and want one day to be a part of America’s vital work force again.

Wells resident Julie Seedorf’s column appears every Monday. Send email to her at thecolumn@bevcomm.net.