Beatrice Negulescu
Our forefathers viewed Labor Day as a time to celebrate their accomplishment and it is only fair that we uphold this idea by indulging in leisure activity, partying and drinking.
The consumption of alcoholic drinks has come to be looked at in our society as going hand in hand with any special occasion, and Labor Day is no exception.
On September 5, 1982 10,000 workers assembled in New York City to mark the first Labor Day Celebration.
After marching from City Hall, past Union Square, and back up to 42nd street, the workers and their families settled in Wendel’s Elm Park for a celebration consisting of speeches, music, food and undoubtedly, drinks.
The courageous men and women that stood up for the rights of all workers in the United States would have wanted us to use Labor Day as a time to celebrate their victory in the labor movement, thus, it is only fair that we rejoice on this day that they have fought so hard for.
Organized by New York’s Central Labor Union, a group made up of representatives from many local unions, Labor Day aimed to inspire improvement in the working conditions and demonstrate the strength of the growing labor movement.
Labor Day is our chance to make the efforts of our forefathers count, and show our appreciation for the much improved working conditions that we benefit from today.
Pierce College students seem to agree.
“Labor Day is meant for drinking and partying, as long as it is with caution. With all the stress of working and going to school full time it’s nice to have a day off to unwind and have a couple of beers,” said 21-year-old Pierce College nursing major Brittney Becaria.
With easily accessible websites whose purpose is to inform consumers about alcohol/calorie content in their drink of choice, students can now sip on their favorite Labor Day party-time cocktails with an educated mind and a clear conscience. It is estimated that an alarming 11,773 deaths in 2008 were alcohol related, so it is of essence that we are responsible in celebrating Labor Day.
Studies from The California Student Public Interest Research Group have shown that one in five full-time students works 35 or more hours per week. In addition to their work responsibilities, many of the students on campus take a full course schedule of 12 units or more, are involved in clubs, and some are even responsible for raising children and caring for a family. With the stress from all these responsibilities, it is justified that we seize Labor Day and use it as an opportunity to party and unwind.
We should not need an excuse to party, drink and enjoy ourselves, but if we must have one, then Labor Day is the perfect prospect. We can celebrate the success of the labor movement, show appreciation for the high-quality working conditions which we benefit from, and drink to our heart’s content – all in one day.
Whatever your stance on partying and drinking on Labor Day may be, we can all agree that this is a day which aided in bringing forth many changes in the work force that are still beneficial to us today, and therefore it should be considered a day for rejoicing.
Labor Day is a perfect day to party, drink and enjoy yourself, just be careful out there.
