While its precise origins in the late nineteenth century are a bit unclear, the observance of Labor Day has generally come to signify a celebration of the common working class in America, in a somewhat similar fashion as that of International Workers Day on May 1 throughout other parts of the world.

The occasion also traditionally marks the symbolic end of the summer high season, when kids are back in school and vacation time is over for many. But in the face of the COVID-19 situation, much of what was once traditional has flown out the window as a new “new normal” confronts us on an almost daily basis.

Schools are struggling to find ways to function safely and effectively, and many workers have lost their jobs – either temporarily or permanently – due to restrictions imposed on businesses that ordinarily operate at a high level of customer contact. Those fortunate enough to be able to work at their “home offices” are faring better, but there are so many who aren’t so fortunate, and they are feeling the pinch.

While the city gradually reopens over time, we will hopefully be crawling our way back to some level of normalcy. In the meantime, let’s all hang in there and understand that the present state of things can’t go on forever. That there will eventually be relief from all the stress and worry that so many of us or our friends and families have experienced.

Let’s make this Labor Day a recognition of the courage it takes to shoulder on in the face of this adversity, as so many of us have done and are still doing.