It would be nice if there were more opportunities for labor this Labor Day, but the fortunes of workers have ebbed and flowed frequently since the holiday was first proposed more than 100 years ago.
Although commonly considered a holiday to celebrate organized labor - it was first proposed by a union leader - the observance has since expanded to include the contributions of everyone who works to support a family and consequently supports the nation.
It's true that this Labor Day occurs when the nation's unemployment rate is stubbornly glued to a bit more than 8 percent, higher than anyone - especially politicians - would like.
Here in Warren County, which has traditionally enjoyed rates lower than most other counties in the region as well as both the state and national averages, our rate is higher than normal.
Nevertheless, there are positive signs in our midst, from Northwest Savings' major physical expansion to the construction at Betts Industries, which is going up on Warren's west side with little fanfare.
While Labor Day gives politicians from every ilk an opportunity to wax authoritative on the subject of employment opportunities, it is also a time for many of us to relax from our labors, grill a few hot dogs and take a last long look at the summer about to pass.