[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

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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