For many, Labor Day is a holiday to be enjoyed with family and friends but for others it’s a day to labor to keep the rest of us safe and served.

Many businesses, banks and government offices were closed Monday so their employees could have Labor Day off. There were, however, quite a few government employees on duty including public safety officers, EMS personnel and, of course, the dispatchers at 911. These men and women spent Labor Day as they do their other work days, on the job, doing their duty keeping the public safe and ensuring calls for help are answered as quickly as possible.

Crime and accidents are no respecters of holidays and because of this reality law enforcement, emergency response and the communications center that links them to the public operate 24/7. These public servants sacrificed their Labor Day to serve the public as they and their colleagues do the other 364 days of the year.

They weren’t alone, however, because many in the private sector also labored that day. Many stores, restaurants and other businesses were open so the rest of us could still enjoy the convenience of their services and products. They made it possible for the rest of us to dine out or pick up groceries for an afternoon cookout or fill up the car for a trip out of town. By their labors they helped make Labor Day a pleasant experience for the rest of us.

Labor Day is now past and the work week resumes leaving those of us who had the day off pleasant memories of a relaxing break from the daily grind. As we enjoy those pleasant memories, we should all take a moment and remember those who spent the day at work while we spent the day at home or at the lake or somewhere else equally pleasant.

Remember and give thanks for them and the sacrifices they made so your Labor Day was safe, convenient and enjoyable.