Labor Day is for all people and professions.

The United States officially celebrated Labor Day on June 28, 1894 when President Grover Cleveland signed into law that the first Monday in September would be a holiday.

When people think about Labor Day Weekend coming up, they think about the unofficial end of summer, which it isn’t. The last day of summer is the fall equinox or September 22.

If you look at the weather forecast coming up, we still have quite a few hot days coming up that will linger. Although this past weekend was not the best weatherwise, it did not deter the beachgoers. Last Thursday, I was on the road and it was jam-packed both north and southbound with people trying to get a jump on the long weekend. 

Most people think, “Now the kids are going back to school.” The truth is that there are some municipalities that started school before Labor Day.

Here’s the real kicker: if you look at your school calendar, there are a lot of holidays in September. Many students are still in summer mode. The weather is still warm and there are still picnics and cookouts. So, that first month really isn’t that bad.

There are professions in which there are always someone on duty 24/7 such as emergency services personnel. Even if an emergency personnel is on vacation, in case a situation calls, if they see someone who needs help, their instinct is to go and give that help.

We want to salute all the laborers. This goes for everyone who works hard all year and never really gets a day off.

When something happens to the local electric grids, or whenever there’s a disaster: whether it be natural or man-made, there are always 800 numbers for emergency services.

There are many places that never close. Workers in restaurants, and anybody hospitality field are open on Labor Day. 

Bergen County, New Jersey still has Blue Laws. According to an article in https://www.northjersey.com ” 11 things you might not know about Bergen County’s blue laws,” written by John Brennan June 23, 2017 states: 

First offense – fine of $250

Second offense – fine between $250 and $1,000

Third offense – fine between $1000 and $2000 and/or 30 days in jail

Fourth offense and subsequent offenses – fine between $2000 and $5000 and/or 30 days to six months in jail

According to the law, you may buy food, but not certain other items.

In this fast paced world we live in where people expect you to get things done yesterday, it’s a wonder that you get any municipalities still clinging on to yesteryear. Even when people have the day off and want to relax, they wind up doing more than they expected.

It’s like going on vacation, and when you finally get to your destination and you try and pack into so much activity in a short period of time, you exhaust yourself. 

People say you should just unplug your electronic devices, but the device that is hardest to turn off is your mind. Even if you turn off all your laptops and tablets, etc., your brain always wanders. It takes a while to clear the clutter.

So, if you are one of those fortunate people who can actually meditate and clear their mind, God bless you! Because you can do something many people can’t.

To all those people who labored on Labor Day, we say: Thank You!!!  C.M.