September is fast approaching & with it Labor Day is creeping up as well. Many people tend to look forward to cookouts, barbeques, & family gatherings. COVID-19 is still very much alive so we must keep this in mind before potentially exposing ourselves & our family members to perhaps potential danger. However, given that many people still responsibly wear masks (rightfully so) & the vaccine is being distributed more and more each and every day, the prospects for a normal life may once again be seen on the horizon. Despite this we cannot let our guard down, we must continue to strive forward towards the “finish line” so that our normal Labor Day celebrations can return.

Labor Day is truly a holiday of inclusiveness for we celebrate all of America’s hard working labor force. For it is all of us that makes this country operate & stay ahead of the competition. Labor Day first became a celebrated holiday in 1887 with the State or Oregon being the first to recognize it. The federal government eventually followed the lead of 30 other states in 1894 & recognized Labor Day as a federal holiday. As such we’ve grown to be accustomed to the diversity of celebrations & the normality of them. 

Many people tend to ask, “How do we safely celebrate this holiday?”. The answer to this question is muddy and the question itself can have many answers. Granted given all the information we’ve acquired about precautionary methods here is the best methods to ensure as safe a celebration as possible:

• Keep your gathering as small as possible. 
• Be sure all guests are vaccinated & that each guest has not been exposed or been around anyone who has presented any COVID-like symptoms.
• Masks are a must. They have been the cornerstone to keeping us safe.
• Have disposable gloves available for guests who decide to make a plate of food or guests that are serving. 
• Disposable plates & cups are another item to have on hand.
• Try to remain a comfortable distance away from one another (Social Distance).

Labor Day celebrations have become a staple of American culture & identity for as long as people of the last few generations can remember. As we’ve progressed as a nation morally & scientifically we’ve grown to include all sorts of cultures & diversity because honestly that’s truly the meaning of America. Labor Day weekend is about all of us and the contributions we make as a nation to keep it as beautiful as can be. If we can follow these procedures, we’ll be that much closer to being able to have our old way of life back. In the meantime,  let’s all be safe & thankful for all that we have…..and for all who we have.