On Monday, September 3, 1973, my friend Marcy and I were in London taking a half-day sight-seeing tour around the city that was included in our vacation package. Our British tour guide stood at the front of the bus talking into a microphone, telling about the sights we were seeing. She pointed out the American Embassy as we passed it, noting that it appeared to be closed and wondering why that should be. After a moment's reflection, it occurred to the Americans on the bus that it was Labor Day, a holiday.
"What's it for?" she wanted to know.
Several people tried to explain it to her, and it became clear that explaining what Labor Day is for is not easy. I don't think she ever got it, probably because saying -- even in several different ways -- that it's for people who work just doesn't make a lot of sense.
According to the U. S. Department of Labor, Labor Day is "... a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country."
Too bad none of us was that eloquent back then. And too bad there aren't more people working right now to contribute to our prosperity.
On a brighter note, I recall a joke our tour guide told us that morning about a sight-seeing bus taking a group of American tourists all around London and environs. At one stop, they all pile out of the bus, and the tour guide tells them they have arrived at famous Runnymede, where King John was forced by his barons to sign the Magna Carta. A guy from Cleveland says, "When did he do that?" The tour guide answers, "Twelve-fifteen, sir." The American turns to his wife and says, "How about that, Edna? We missed it by twenty minutes."
Yeah, I know. But that's how I remember the Magna Carta was signed in1215.
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