UNITED STATES — In the U.S., Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer and many Americans will take the opportunity to escape to the national forests and grasslands. But it is also a time to remember those who still labor on Labor Day in an effort to protect this land.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, “Labor Day, is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.”
Despite the holiday, firefighters are among the workforce that continues to labor today as they battle wildfires across the nation.
This year, U.S. wildfires have scorched nearly 7,900 square miles (20,460 square kilometers) in forests, chaparral and grasslands across the country. The vast majority are on public lands in the West that also serve as summer playgrounds.
As the majority of the American workforce rests today, the work and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States are not lost on its citizens.
Buckrail wishes everyone a Happy Labor Day.
