Without labor, nothing prospers

As Labor Day and the final long weekend of summer beckon, we pause to honor the contributions of hard-working Spencer Countians. From farms and foundries, steel mills and factory assembly lines to doctor’s offices, grocery stores and businesses all across our county, labor has been the engine that has powered Spencer County.

Laboring pioneers cleared virgin land and struggled to make new lives, literally surviving on the work of their brows. Business owners labored to provide something better to their customers and throughout the county’s history, men and women have tackled challenges to improve lives for themselves, their families and their communities.

We’re all laborers, even those of us labeled as stay-at-home-parents or volunteers whose contributions don’t always generate paychecks. We tip our hats this week to all those who labor, pointing out the dignity of honest work. Without labor, nothing prospers.  

In this space, we point to only a few of the groups of laborers who impact our lives. We begin with the work of our farmers, whose toil, optimism and faith in nature ensure food for our cookouts and picnics this weekend and year-round.

Thank you to veterans, past and present, who have poured sweat and blood on our behalf. To those serving today, we say “thank you” and wish you safe returns home. To veterans who kept our nation free through past service, know we are forever grateful.

Our nation wouldn’t be what it is without the work of educators, the men and women beginning a new school year. We entrust you with the education of a new generation as well as college students. Let us also single out for extra praise those men and women who teach who provide vocational training in fields. They are helping to keep our labor force vital.

Happy Labor Day, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, veterinarians and others working in the health-care field. Your talents keep us and our loved ones healthy. Thanks also to police, firefighters and others who keep us safe. Your labors ease our worst fears.

We thank those involved the protection of workers-rights, from government workers to union representatives. Though people of good will may disagree on the roles of organized labor in 2010, we tip our hats to the work of those dedicated to helping ensure everyone who works receives a fair deal and toils in a safe environment.

Labor Day isn’t a religious holiday, but we close by thanking ministers, priests, pastors and rabbis for their year-round efforts.

Whatever your field of labor, enjoy the weekend and remember that without the combined labor of everyone, nothing succeeds.

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