Do You Applaud American Workers?

This is the time of year that many of us stop to momentarily applaud workers and laborers in our United States of America. Labor Day became an official holiday back in 1882 to recognize and appreciate the American worker.

I want to go on record as a proud American. Despite what some negative people may say, the USA is still an awesome and wonderful place to live and to find meaningful work and to pursue happiness.

Who is the AMERICAN WORKER? Is it only the “laborer” who does demanding physical labor? Is it the first responder, the educator, the farmer, the truck driver, the business owner, the self-employed? In my unique way of seeing the world, I proclaim that EVERY individual who legally resides in and legally receives wages in this great nation IS “The American Worker”. As such, each one deserves full recognition, gratitude, and applause.

If I could, I would set out to give every American worker a huge embrace. Workers really do deserve our deepest thanks. So many of them sincerely enjoy their jobs without ever seeking any spotlight or accolades. Collectively, they are the backbone of this land.

Here are a few fine examples of what I am attempting to explain. These are folks I’ve encountered during my travels across the southeastern USA while pursuing my passion for freelance writing. I spoke with or interviewed some, while others I merely waved to or passed on the street.

What on earth would we do without the beautiful smiles of the baristas in our own home town and wherever we go? These two work at Lula’s Coffee on Dargan Street in downtown Florence, South Carolina. I watched them bring a smile to the sleepy customer seated on the bar stool. THANK YOU, COFFEE SHOP WORKERS ! https://www.facebook.com/lulascoffeecodowntown/ More info @ https://visitflo.com/

This city worker in Florence, SC happily tests the water quality at the town’s many wonderful public fountains. He said that he gets satisfaction knowing that folks of all ages can play in the fountains, and even bring their dogs, with no fear of health issues. It is great to have people behind the scenes keeping us safe. THANK YOU, CITY WORKERS!

Kenny Maguire is a talented mural artist based in Tallahassee, Florida. He is often working on new projects at the crack of dawn and at all hours to get the best light. The art pictured here is located at Railroad Square. THANK YOU, MURAL ARTISTS! https://www.railroadsquare.com/ Tallahassee info https://visittallahassee.com/ Kenny info https://www.facebook.com/Kennymakinart/

Riverfront Street in Savannah, Georgia https://www.visitsavannah.com/ is always thriving and growing. These three construction workers have to diligently labor in rain, in heat, being careful of the cobblestones…and the tourists. THANK YOU, CONSTRUCTION WORKERS!

This guy is easy on the eyes and is a Southern Eagle beverage distributor . That’s the kind of unsung hero I like to see. Without him, how would folks get their drink on? THANKS, DELIVERY WORKERS. https://soeagle.net/

Trolley tours are BIG business in Savannah and Kathleen does an excellent job for Gray Line. She helps tourists learn and have fun at the same time. THANKS, TOUR GUIDES! https://savannahgrayline.us/

Matthew is a high school student who works part-time at the Robert Trent Jones golf course in Owens Cross Roads, Alabama https://www.rtjgolf.com/hamptoncove/ . He toured me around the beautiful course in fine style and with such a winning smile. https://www.huntsville.org/ The rain did not stop us from having a wonderful time. THANKS, GOLF CART DRIVERS!

Hostesses like Laura provide tons of great info when folks visit the birthplace of Helen Keller. The impressive estate “Ivy Green” is located in Tuscumbia, Alabama and includes multiple buildings, gardens, and statues. http://helenkellerbirthplace.org/ Laura shares all the facts in the sweetest way that would make anyone’s day. THANKS, HISTORIC LANDMARK HOSTESSES! Info on “the Shoals” area https://www.visitflorenceal.com/

Great restaurants and bars need great managers like Chase. He knows how to treat his customers right at Amsterdam Deli & Grill. https://www.facebook.com/AmsterdamDeli/ He shares his love of Tupelo, Mississippi and of food and drink. THANK YOU, MANAGERS! https://www.tupelo.net/

THANK YOU TO ALL WORKERS …. HAPPY LABOR DAY !!

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