By Bill Conley
America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller
Moral
to the Story:
Labor Day is a special day that
honors all the hard-working people who build, clean, fix, teach, protect, and
care for others. It’s a time to remember that everything we enjoy—from homes and roads to
schools and parks—was made possible by someone’s hard work. We celebrate Labor Day to say “thank you” to workers who make our world better.
Labor Day began long ago, in the late 1800s, when people wanted fair pay, safe
workplaces, and time to rest. It teaches us to respect work, no matter how big or small the job might seem. We learn that every worker matters—from the janitor to the doctor, from the
farmer to the firefighter. On Labor Day, we pause to appreciate the hands that build, serve, and help. It’s not just a day off—it’s a day to remember and be grateful.
Lila the Little Beaver sat at the
breakfast table, chewing on a piece of toast. “Mama,” she asked, “why don’t we
have school today?”
Her mother smiled and poured her
some berry juice. “Because it’s Labor Day, sweetie.”
“But what’s Labor Day?” Lila asked,
tilting her head.
Before Mama could answer, Grandpa
Beaver stepped into the room, his toolbelt still hanging on a hook by the door.
“Ah, that’s a great question!” he said, sitting beside her. “Let me tell you a
story.”
Lila loved Grandpa’s
stories—especially the ones with history.
“Labor Day,” Grandpa began, “started
more than a hundred years ago, back in the late 1800s. People were working
long, hard hours in factories and fields, often in dangerous places, and they
weren’t being paid fairly. They didn’t have many breaks, and even children
worked instead of going to school.”
“Children worked?” Lila’s eyes grew
wide.
“Oh yes,” Grandpa nodded. “Even
young ones, just like you. But the people came together and said, ‘That’s not
right.’ They marched and spoke up, asking for fair pay, safe places to work,
and time off to rest and be with their families.”
“So what happened?” Lila asked.
“Well, it took time,” Grandpa said.
“But eventually, the leaders listened. They created rules to protect workers,
and they made a day to celebrate all the people who work hard to make the world
a better place. That day became known as Labor Day.”
Lila thought about that for a
moment. “So Labor Day is for workers? Like you, Grandpa?”
Grandpa chuckled. “Yes, like me. And
Mama. And your teacher. And the bus driver, the grocery store clerk, the
farmer, the builder, the nurse, the librarian—anyone who gives their time and
energy to help others.”
Lila’s eyes sparkled. “Even the
person who sweeps the sidewalk?”
“Especially them,” Grandpa said
proudly. “No job is too small. Every worker deserves respect.”
“But why do we take the day off?”
Lila asked.
“To rest. To say thank you. And to
remember,” Mama Beaver said, joining in. “It’s a day to honor all workers—past
and present—who helped build this country with their hands, their hearts, and
their effort.”
Lila sat quietly, thinking about
everything she’d heard.
Later that day, she made a big
colorful sign with crayons and markers. It said:
“THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO WORKS
HARD FOR US!”
She taped it to the tree in the
front yard so the mail carrier, garbage truck driver, and anyone walking by
could see it.
As the sun began to set, Lila hugged
Grandpa tightly. “I think Labor Day is kind of like a big thank-you card.”
Grandpa smiled. “You’re exactly
right, Lila. A thank-you card… written by a whole country.”
Moral
to the Story Poem:
Labor Day’s more than a day to play,
It’s a time to honor work in every way.
From builders to bakers and all in between,
Their effort helps keep the world bright and clean.
We rest today to show our pride,
For those who serve and those who guide.
So thank a worker—be kind and true,
They’ve helped make life better for me and you.
Questions
for Thought and Discussion:
1.
Can you name three workers in your
community who help others every day?
2.
Why is it important to show respect
for all kinds of work, even if it seems small?
3.
What can you do to show appreciation
for workers on Labor Day and throughout the year?
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