    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book II)]
    [August 28, 1995]
    [Page 1272]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message on the Observance of Labor Day, 1995
    August 28, 1995

        Each year at this time we pause to reflect on the value of labor and
    the accomplishments of the American worker. This country's success
    depends on the efforts of its citizens to open the door to a better
    future. Work is the engine that drives our economy forward, moves
    struggling families upward into the middle class, and creates
    opportunities for our children. We must continually strive to create
    more opportunity for work for those who are willing to take the
    responsibility to make better lives for themselves and their families.
    Our labors ensure that the blessings of life, liberty, and the pursuit
    of happiness will benefit generations to come.
        Let us give thanks to those who came before us and who strived to
    improve working conditions and create fair labor laws. They risked their
    livelihoods and often their very lives to ensure that children could go
    to school instead of to work in mines and factories, that laborers could
    work without risking injury, and that Americans who toiled throughout
    the week would be rewarded with a decent living and could spend more
    time raising their families. These reformers brought dignity to the
    workplace and integrity to our society.
        Today, we recognize that management and labor face common challenges
    and a shared destiny in the global economy. We must continue our efforts
    to create further job growth and new opportunities, enabling more of our
    citizens to realize the American Dream. As we celebrate Labor Day, we
    can find strength and renewed inspiration in the Dream--the idea that we
    can be good workers as well as good parents and that, through our
    individual efforts, we can build better lives for our children.
        Best wishes to all for a memorable and meaningful holiday.

                                                                Bill Clinton