Labor Day is highlighted as a significant holiday in September, meant to honor workers who contribute to the United States’ strength and prosperity
By Robert L. Thomas Jr.
When you think about September, what is one of the first things that comes to mind? For me, it is the dreaded end of summer and the start of school for my grandkids.
It’s the turning point of the days getting shorter, the weather cooling down and the transition from sunscreen and pool days to pumpkin patches and apple cider. For most people, when you ask them to pinpoint this turning point, the answer is when we celebrate Labor Day.
For those in the workforce, this holiday is anticipated and appreciated because it gives a guaranteed break during that long stretch between Independence Day and the Thanksgiving holiday. However, its true meaning is to honor those individuals who contribute to allowing the United States to continue to move forward in strength, wellness and prosperity.
As we enjoy this day off, relaxing or hosting one last summer festivity, we should remember all those who sacrifice their time and health to ensure this country continues to move forward.
September also brings an anniversary of great sadness, as we remember and honor those individuals who are no longer here with us due to the horrific terrorist attacks that happened Sept. 11, 2001. That was just 23 years ago.
Nineteen individuals hijacked four commercial planes that morning. Two of the planes were purposely crashed into each of the towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, and another plane got just miles from the White House and crashed into the Pentagon. The fourth plane crashed near Shanksville, Pa., after passengers onboard acted heroically to overpower the terrorists and sacrificed their lives to save countless others.
I remember being at work in a FedEx cafeteria and watching the news as the second plane flew into the South Tower of the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan, and suddenly seeing both towers crumble to the ground.
The videos capturing individuals coming out of the smoke cloud after the towers fell instantly united the country, motivating people from all walks of life to join the military to be a part of the war on terrorism, or even just to show patriotism.
That day changed the lives of Americans forever and reminds us of the importance of our public service workers and our first responders. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to overcome tragedies such as these.
One final thing I want to make note of for September is that it’s Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Awareness Month. While Paralyzed Veterans of America tries to raise awareness for our organization in April, we also focus heavily on our mission of funding research to find a cure for paralysis.
This September, I ask you to pick up the phone and call or text someone you know with SCI and just say hello to show them you care. Like with the celebration of our workforce on Labor Day and the remembrance of those lost on 9/11, we want to acknowledge those who have worked hard and live with the burden of loss by showing our gratitude and support.
