Military salutes American worker Published Sept. 1, 2010 By By Airman 1st Class Dennis L. Sloan 87ABW/PA Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs -- When I think of thanking someone for their service, I imagine thanking the construction workers who build parks or the local mechanic who fixes my car. These are the men and women who deserve a thank you. In 1884, two years after the first Labor Day celebration was held in New York City, the nation dedicated the first Monday in September as a day to honor the American worker. Now, 126 years later, as we prepare to celebrate another Labor Day, it occurs to me that it is just as important, if not more important, to thank those who give back to America every day. My mom is a nurse and my dad is a plumber and pipefitter, so I know a thing or two about the American worker. Both worked 40-plus hours a week in stressful jobs which didn't pay as well as some might think. They sacrificed countless hours of their days working to feed me and my six siblings. I do remember one instance where my dad canceled a family vacation so he could work overtime. I was really mad he had taken away my vacation. I didn't realize then, that he was giving up his vacation as well to make extra money so we could go to good schools and play sports. Just as my parents made sacrifices throughout their lives, so have countless other American workers. With an economy that has seen better days and a scarce job market, Americans are doing more for less. When I was growing up, the economy seemed very stable, but my parents still struggled to make ends meet. I can only imagine how hard it is for families now to provide for their children. The American worker built this nation from the ground up and continues to do so in stride. Who fills our grocery stores with produce and meat? Who builds the tanks, planes and machine guns the military uses to fight wars to keep this country free? Who takes the time to teach our nation's youth? Who cleans up the crime on our streets and puts out fires threatening our homes? The American worker. Everything this nation stands for is supported by what the American worker does. Many of the jobs they perform daily are not glorious by any means, but someone has to carry the weight. When you think of how you spend your day, very rarely do you think of how convenient life is in America. We have trains, planes and automobiles to take us anywhere we want. This nation is spoiled in many ways. I'm not saying Americans shouldn't have these things, but we have luxuries because someone provides them. The people who make it all possible are your local mechanic, bank teller and, in New Jersey, the man who pumps your gas. As a military member, I am thanked several times throughout the year for my service and so should the American workers, because they provide a nation worth fighting for. So as you enjoy your holiday weekend, don't hesitate to thank the members of the workforce who drive this country.