Monday is Labor Day. For many Americans that means little more than a day off work. Backyard barbecues, camping trips or an excursion to a lake or beach frequently commemorate what is commonly considered the end of the summer season.

That hasn’t always been the case.

Labor Day can be traced back to Sept. 5, 1882, when 10,000 workers gathered in New York City for a parade and picnic. The Central Labor Union sponsored the event as a way to advocate the idea of an annual paid day off for working Americans.

The concept gradually caught on in various cities throughout the country and in 1894 Labor Day was established as a federal holiday by an Act of Congress.

We salute the workers of these United States for their efforts in the 112 years since the establishment of the Labor Day holiday.

At the same time, we encourage all Americans to keep in mind that we are now competing in a global marketplace, and that a willingness to produce quality products at a reasonable price must be a priority if the United States is to remain a global economic powerhouse in the decades to come.