    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book II)]
    [September 3, 1993]
    [Pages 1437-1438]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message on the Observance of Labor Day, 1993
    September 3, 1993

        On this important occasion of Labor Day, we take time out of our
    active schedules to honor the working men and women of America whose
    diligence and energy have made this country great.
        These are the men and women whose sweat and toil built this nation
    from the ground up. They laid the railways, highways, and runways that
    brought this far-flung land together. They created an industrial machine
    that became and still remains the envy of the world. They answered the
    call in every time of need and forged the military might of a
    superpower. And, more recently, they have led the world into a new age
    of communications and services. Their labors have fed, clothed, and
    housed this nation in good times and in bad.
        Despite labor's tremendous contribution to the growth and success of
    our country, those who worked hard and played by the rules were

    [[Page 1438]]

    once frequently unrecognized and exploited. Yet the cause of labor has
    advanced greatly in this century because of the determined efforts of
    brave labor leaders who risked their own security to bring about fair
    working conditions and a decent standard of living for the rank and file
    men and women of this country. Labor Day gives us all an opportunity to
    recognize the pivotal role that working men and women have played in our
    history.
        We are now at the dawn of a new era of prosperity. On this Labor
    Day, let us dedicate ourselves to the idea that hard work should be
    justly rewarded. We still have much to do. The challenges of remaining
    competitive in a global economy make it all the more imperative that we
    continue to embrace the ideas of innovation and industry. All of us have
    our own contribution to make to the success of America. We don't have a
    single person to waste. Recognizing this, we can celebrate this day by
    reflecting upon the dignity of labor and the pride felt in a job well
    done.
        Best wishes for a wonderful holiday.

                                                                Bill Clinton