Adieu, Adios, Sayonara and Goodbye Summer?

Looking forward in the calendar, Summer doesn’t really end until Autumn begins on September 22nd.  So, why is Labor Day considered the “end of summer?” It could be a throwback to our agrarian society, a reason for the retail industry to hold another sale, end of summer break and beginning of a new school year…?  

Actually, the U.S. Department of Labor initiated the first Monday in September, back in 1894, as recognition of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of workers in America. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy.

It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.  If anything, it is a good day to remember, celebrate, congratulate, and thank all workers in America!  

And when you do say goodbye to Summer, here are some thoughts to express that moment:

“When summer gathers up her robes of glory, and, like a dream, glides away.” — Sarah Helen Whitman

“August has passed, and yet summer continues by force to grow days. They sprout secretly between the chapters of the year, covertly included between its pages.” — Jonathan Safran Foer

“There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart.” — Celia Thaxter

“By all these lovely tokens September days are here, with summer’s best of weather and autumn’s best of cheer.” — Helen Hunt Jackson

“When the winter comes, the summer shines infinitely in our hearts!” — Mehmet Murat Ildan