Labor Day, which had its beginnings a hundred years ago, is commemorated today, its luster dimmed by high unemployment but with cautious hope the recession may be waning. On June 28, 1894, Congress enacted a law pro claiming the federal holiday to honor the nation’s laborers–which, in the broad modern interpretation, includes a big percentage of the population. The Knights of Labour inaugurated the first Labor Day Sept. 5, 1882. Agitation for an annual celebration was begun by the organization, which marched in September parades in New York three successive years. in 1884 the Knights adopted a resolution to have the first Monday in September declared a holiday. Workmen of other organizations joined in the movement. Oregon, on Feb. 21, 1887, passed the first law recognizing the day. New York, New Jersey and Colorado soon followed, says Britannica, This led to the congressional action. Countless words have been spopken and written on the dignity of labor and the philosophy of work in building the family, the community and the nation. “Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work,” says the Fourth Commandment. Voltaire advised that “Labor preserves us from three great evilseweariness, vice and want.” “Capital is only the fruit of labor,” said Abraham Lincoln. “Honest labor bears a lovely face,” observed Thomas Dekker. And Daniel Webster asserted, “Labor in this country is independent and proud. It has not asked the patronage of capital, but capital solicits the aid of labor? The U. S. jobless rate likely will be one of the themes in Labor Day speeches. Rightly so. But it also should be pointed out that more than 100 million Americans are working-“almost the most in our nation’s history,” as Paul Harvey puts it, The economy continues to grow even in recession, and a downturn in interest rates has begun to administer a shot in the arm to such industries as housing, sparking a ray of hope for general improvement of the economy, Labor Day traditionally is a time for festivities and relaxation. lt’s a good time for a last picnic, trip, or family get-together before summer’s end. And for appreciative reflection on the role of the working men, women and youth in building and strengthening America.