Labor Day Memories

The main reason and purpose of celebrating Labor Day is to honor the working man and women who made/make our country what it is today.

Saturday’s Morning Reflection by Victor Yakin reminded me that we owe a lot to our men and women who built this country. His post brought back memories of one of my prized possessions, a medal my father had gotten. My father had worked in construction most of his life. He received the medal for working on the Verrazono-Narrows Bridge. It is a double-decked suspension bridge that connects the boroughs of Staten Island and Brooklyn in New York City. It was the largest suspension bridge in the world at the time of its completion in 1964. Some 12,000 men worked on the bridge; about 1,000 men worked on site during the construction schedule's peak. Despite their heroic efforts, none of the workers were invited to the bridge's opening ceremonies.

Comments: 25

Len Maxwell Sep 6, 2009, 4:00pm EDT

That's really sad that none of the workers were invited to the opening.

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Maurice K. Sep 6, 2009, 4:14pm EDT

That in itself is a commentary on the status of workers in the country and how they are appreciated in the final analysis.

Loretta E. Sep 7, 2009, 2:15pm EDT

I believe there were 3 men that lost their life on at project

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Erinn K. Sep 6, 2009, 4:45pm EDT

Thank you for posting to * Post whatever your heart desires *

Loretta E. Oct 2, 2009, 12:18pm EDT

Thanks for having me Erinn

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Bundy P Sep 6, 2009, 8:15pm EDT

A sad commentary...

Loretta E. Sep 7, 2009, 2:14pm EDT

Thanks for reading Bundy

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Nurse Nancy S. Sep 7, 2009, 2:33am EDT

Isn't that a sad state of affairs? We work long and hard but get very little recognition.

Loretta E. Sep 7, 2009, 2:13pm EDT

My father had a friend that died on the job.

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Deb J. Sep 7, 2009, 8:11am EDT

That is so sad but you should be very proud of your father! Nice article my friend!

Loretta E. Sep 7, 2009, 2:11pm EDT

Thanks Ded, yes I'm proud,he was a hard worker

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Gwen K Sep 7, 2009, 11:35am EDT

they should've been invited to the opening ceremony! but glad you still have the medal. :) 10

Loretta E. Sep 7, 2009, 2:09pm EDT

Thanks Gwen

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DIANE D. Sep 7, 2009, 12:10pm EDT

A very sad thing.

Loretta E. Oct 2, 2009, 12:19pm EDT

Thanks for reading Diane!!

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Randee "The Court Jester of LaLa Land ! ! !" always and forever, I just want to celebrate Sep 9, 2009, 8:16am EDT

That is really how it was and kind of still is......
the owners and community leasders all get together and honor people that they normally would never associate with....working stiffs.......it's bad enough that they may have to see them at the job...

bridge building......
one of the hardest and more dangerous jobs...
I salute them ...........

Loretta E. Oct 2, 2009, 12:20pm EDT

Thanks Randee for your comments, I agree with you!!

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Lee P. Sep 9, 2009, 8:48am EDT

This is a nice but sad story and a wonderful tribute to your father and all other hard working laborers.

Loretta E. Oct 2, 2009, 12:21pm EDT

Thanks Lee, I just see my father was around to see it!!!

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Candice(Candy) E. Sep 12, 2009, 5:50pm EDT

Very Sad Indeed that your Dad & the other workers were Not Invited to the Grand Opening, BUT>>> I Know your Dad,knew he put his Highest Quality Work & went by Safety procedures to make sure that Bridge Stood Straight,Tall,Strong For the Safety of Others." His Family is Proud of him; that's All that mattered !!