The State Master Councilor’s Labor Day Message

September 6^th, 2010

Michael A. Hernandez, State Master Councilor

            For over one-hundred years the United State of America has celebrated Labor Day, a day, as early labor supporter Peter J. McGuire put it, “[to honor those] who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold.” One thing is absolutely indisputable about the contributions which have been made by the laborers of this nation, and that is that this nation would not be where it is today without them.

They are the carpenters, plumbers, machinists, and laborers of all kinds whose work ensures that the job is done to standard, but equally as important are that those individuals who perform this work are paid fairly for their work. It is these workers who collectively nation-wide have been responsible for some of the most dominating and intriguing structures throughout United States’ history. That is why on this day that we as Americans observe this national holiday every year on the first Monday of September. It is a day to give credit to whom credit is due, and to say “Thank You” for the immeasurable contribution of American Labor.

            Additionally, as we remember the immeasurable contributions of American Labor, so to should we never forget the contributions of those men and women who served their fellow citizens and their country on September 11^th, 2001. Those brave men and women who ran towards the danger as their fellow citizens ran from it. These common men and women were called upon on this day to do uncommon things, some of whom made the “supreme sacrifice to win the blessings which we now enjoy.” The examples which these people have set by the sacrifices which they made is one which we all should look to in any of the challenging times which we face for strength and guidance. As long as we can look to these great men and women we will never be with guidance or inspiration.

            In closing, I would like to urge all of you to take this to heart, but more importantly act upon it. If you have not already you will soon receive a letter written by me along with a donation card, which is in honor of Brother Michael Haub (ALOH). He represents all of the virtues, which all DeMolays throughout this jurisdiction should ascribe and one to which I look for in my own day-to-day life.

Sincerely & Fraternally,

Michael A. Hernandez

State Master Councilor

New York DeMolay