Monday is Labor Day, a holiday spun, literally, from the blood, sweat and tears of common workers who had the most American of thoughts: That their efforts had value and that their collective effort, as the U.S. Department of Labor now recognizes, contributes to “the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.”

That was true the day of the first recognized Labor Day celebration in New York City on Sept. 5, 1882.

It was true when President Grover Cleveland made the first Monday in September a national holiday in 1894.

And it is true today as front-line workers of every sort across a multitude of professions show up to work during a continuing pandemic that puts them at risk.

We thank them all, especially, this year again, the pandemic heroes:

— The health care professionals and all of the support staff who continue to report, sacrificing — often thanklessly — for our well-being.

— The teachers, educators and administrative and support personnel who are investing, both personally and professionally, in our children’s future.

— Those in the retail-related supply chain, from the factories and farms to the truckers and transporters, to the shelvers and stockers to those who bag the goods and hand us change, often working shorthanded and understaffed to get the job done.

— Service and hospitality industry workers and those in the professional and skilled trades, also working shorthanded and understaffed to deliver public needs and wants.

— The small business owner-operators who regrouped, revamped and survived, first keeping as many employees on board as they could and now scrambling to keep the doors open during the local labor shortage.

Sacrifice.

Investment.

Hard work.

And ingenuity.

This Labor Day, American workers — our friends, family and neighbors –continue to bring it on.

You are appreciated.

May we all have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend.

— Breeze editorial