Lots of musicians have saluted those who work hard and long to make a living. John Lennon sang of the “Working Class Hero;” the Rolling Stones lauded the “Salt of the Earth” and “Factory Girl” and of course the great folk singer, Woody Guthrie was famous for his songs about the plight of the working class.

All workers in this country should be lionized. Without those who work eight hours a day, five days a week have made this country what it is today. Laborers have built our cities, our roads, our electrical grids, sewers, and water systems. They struggle in the heat of summer and the frozen temperatures of winter. They work hundreds of feet in the air, and miles below the ground. Workers man the oilrigs in the ocean so that we can have the energy to drive our cars and power our cities. Workers also teach our children, protect our streets and borders, put out the fires, and rush us to hospitals so we can be cured and healed. Workers are everywhere, and they are the backbone of our society, our community and our economy.

Fortunately, we have come to realize the worth of all workers and we reserve one day of the year to honor them and give them a much-needed day of rest. Yes, Labor Day is the time to thank all the workers for their backbreaking labor to give us the life we have today. But these days, the worker is in dire straits. Despite our wealth, natural resources and talents, we are in the middle of a recession that has seen millions of honest, dependable workers lose their jobs. Let us hope that these hard economic times will be over soon, so these people can get back to work, and continue to make our country strong and free.

So, today, while enjoying the barbecue take a moment to give thanks for all the working class heroes.