by Gary Kennedy

Labor Day is celebrated in many nations in respect of the labor initiative in these countries. Respect for the hard work and the gain a country receives because of it, has never gone unnoticed. There are several people and events that have garnished notoriety because of their place in societies’, great events. From those some adorn with colorful stories and histories. Unfortunately the young among us have never seen this growth through history as the origins were far in the past. We have now evolved to a different growth style which the young will have to write and just attach it to what we leave behind.

One of my favorites was the World War II icon “Rosie the Riveter”. For many years it was believed that Geraldine Hoff Doyle was the actual Rosie the Riveter, however, as time passed and research plugged in we discovered that a mistake had been made and actually Naomi Parker Fraley, 96 years, was the true Rosie, I was pleased to be made aware that the real Rosie was able to take her place in labor and in history.

Rosie was the origin of the women’s labor movement. During the late 1930s and early 1940s men went to war and women had to replace them in the factories and fields. Everyone pulled their weight and filled in the labor voids as deemed necessary. Pride itself was a badge of courage. You didn’t have to go to war in order to do your part in the effort. When women adorned themselves with work pants and sweatshirts, it was with pride and love in their hearts. They would work as hard as those they replaced with blood, sweat and tears. This was America, the pride of the world and everyone who could fill in the voids did so. The world saw who and what we were and relied on us as an example.

Things were different then and the search now is for, why? I am not a visionary but I do have three quarters of a century under my belt. It seems to me that the closer my mind takes me to the source of our great country, the stronger patriotism and work ethic becomes. Think about the many thousands of lives lost on our own ground; given in the name of doing the right thing. As time leapt forward people immigrated here for many different reasons, not necessarily the same reasons the “originals” had.

If you think about it you will come to see what I have grown to believe. You have to love and respect something before you are willing to invest your life into it. Your loyalty and work ethic will grow once you realize what you truly have. If you feel you have a right to it all, you are sadly mistaken.

Eventually you will either mature or be consumed by beliefs that are not of this land we hold so dear. I know my time is now short and I question, did I contribute my fair share? I, like most people, have regrets, but I hope when it comes time to tally, my lot will lean toward the plus side of this equation. God only knows for sure. I could have worked harder and I could have loved with more passion. However, I love my country and family and defend them with my last breath.

Whether it be digging ditches or fighting for the right to do so, we must all give the best of us. That’s the secret and what the entire world has seen from us since the insemination of this great country of ours. This “Labor Day” I dedicate to memory. Remember who and what we are and what we “stand for”. Our true to life history is who and what we are. It must live on in the history books just the way it happened. That is how we evolve in a positive way.

The past will always be our future instruction. Give what you do and who you are a 100 percent and you will know that you have done your best. Rosie was a true to life person. Her love of country gave her the fortitude to roll up her sleeves and replacing the man that went off to war to defend and protect her, our country and way of life. Her strength was a wonderful example for all to follow. Thank you Rosie for showing the way. (Life, Liberty and pursuit of happiness). One way or another the reward will be yours. God bless you all and have a happy and safe “Labor Day”.

The views of the author in this column are not necessarily those of The Town Line newspaper, its staff and board of directors.