While technically summer doesn’t end until the autumnal equinox on September 23rd, this weekend marks the unofficial end of summer. The new school year is looming on the horizon (though judging by the influx of back to school photos on my social media feeds, some may have already started) and folks are getting in last minute vacations before it’s back to business as usual come September 3rd. But let’s face it: summer is over. It’s time to light up that BBQ, raise that drink and wave goodbye to summer.
I’m not trying to rain on your parade the Friday before a long weekend. As sad as summer ending sounds, let us not forget the meaning of the day. Labor Day is a day dedicated to celebrating the achievements of the worker. It was established on June 28, 1894 when President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September a national holiday. By then, 23 states were already celebrating it. But Labor Day’s origin goes back to Toronto in 1872, when the Typographical Union held a strike demanding a 9-hour workday. That strike became known as the “Nine Hour Movement” and that movement helped launch a similar one in the United States.
We have come a long way since then. Today the conversation is about flexibility, work life integration, pay equity, a sense of purpose and corporate culture, all good things.
So, as we toast summer goodbye, Sanjay and I would also like to personally toast our clients, partners, and associates here at J2, without whom our success would not be possible and certainly not as meaningful. CHEERS!
“A truly American sentiment recognizes the dignity of labor and the fact that honor lies in honest toil.” – Grover Cleveland
Have a great weekend.
Vijay