Did you ever wonder why Labor Day
Was formed to give us rest?
Did you wonder how it happened,
Why someone formed the quest?
The year was Eighteen Ninety-Four,
The railroad union took a stand,
They refused to switch Pullman cars,
Throughout this grand old land.
They struck for higher wages
When their income was reduced.
Their cost of goods still stayed the same,
And they couldn't be seduced.
George Pullman talked quite loftily,
Something they didn't like,
It finally took US Marshalls
To step in and end the strike.
When George Pullman later died,
His wife and children sobbed,
As they encased his coffin in concrete
So his grave would not be robbed.
After the strike was ended,
Grover Cleveland had his way.
He declared a day to honor workers,
And they called it Labor Day.
Thank you to my forefathers,
Who worked all morns and nights,
To create an easier world,
To ensure I had my rights.
I am so very grateful,
That I can have my say,
I know that working is a privilege,
As is celebrating Labor Day.
©Diana Kosmoski/2011
26 comments:
Diana I might be the first to comment on your wonderful poem...I loved the sentiment of it we all need to be thankful for this great land we call home..PLUS I never knew the story of Labor Day thanks for sharing it Diana you have a blessed day...hugs Karena A Loblolly Life
THANK YOU DIANA,IT'S NICE TO KNOW OTHERS THINK HIGHLY OF A DAY OFF TO CELEBRATE WORKERS. WISH WE HAD OUR BEAUTIFUL STRONG AMERICA BACK. I WORKED A UNION JOB, IT TRULY HELPED ME RAISE MY DAUGHTERS . IT ALSO KEPT ME IN SAFE WORKING CONDITIONS.SMILES, SUSIE
Thanks for sharing...
Happy Labor Day !!!!
that is just beautiful,
Love your poem! I hope you and your family have a happy Labor Day.
Wow...love this Diana!
A keeper for sure!
Happy Labor Day to you!
Happy Labor Day !!
Marilyn
Awesome poem Diana!
Happy Labour Day to you and i have to work tonight!!! I think our store which is union should be closed on this day!
Have a great day with all your darlings!
Pamela xo
Wow! I'm impressed Diana! Great post today.
Love your poem Diana.....
Enjoy your day!!!
Suzann ~xoxo~
Thank you for the beautiful, thoughtful poem - Great job!!
Thanks for sharing!!
The poem says it all. It is almost a priviledge to have a job during these times.
What a great poet you are sweet friend. What can't you do?
Beautiful~
xoRebecca
A beautiful post. Happy Labor Day. Thanks for visiting me, and for the wonderful compliment.
Thank you sweet friend. You are so heartfelt with your words. Enjoy the day!
Great post Diana and very fitting for our state especially after this past year.
Your a talented poet!!
Hugs,
Cindy
Look at all your talent! You are a very creative poet. I hope you have today off from work and are enjoying it with your family.
You are a talented lady! I love this...so much I didn't know about Labor Day. And I hope you are having a terrific one!! :-)
XO,
Jane
Very nice Diana! :)
Bravo! You, me dear, are a true poet...
Hope your weekend is going great. It was fun seeing SC sugar me video. She's nutty. I like that and she has spunk- gets that from you.
It got down to 51 here last night and cool today and I am having a hard time moving! STIFF as a board! But I am loving the cooler days.
Hey, sweet friend, this is beautiful! You are very talented! Hope you've had a great weekend.
xo
Pat
Diana, I am highly impressed. What a lovely way to share history so poignantly. You are awesome, my friend.
Hope you had a lovely holiday.
TTFN ~
Hugs,
Marydon
You are a poet and I didn't even know it. ;)
Wonderful poem Diana.
xo,
Danielle
What beautiful and awesome poetry. Thank you for sharing. I have missed reading your blog and glad I'm back! Been a busy summer!
Hugs,
Nancy
WOW, Diana, what a great poem!!! This is fantastic!! I hope you had a great weekend~hugs from me,
XO
Cindy
Dear Diana,
Beautiful poem! Have a lovely week!
Hugs ~Wendy
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