Celebrating Labor Day this year brings unique challenges for America’s working families. While large gatherings and travel are discouraged or even prohibited, families can and should still recognize the holiday as one that celebrates workers. 

For me, this Labor Day will be a time to celebrate our first responders and frontline workers who have continued to put themselves in harm’s way as our country has endured this pandemic. The healthcare workers, doctors and nurses, hospital employees from janitors to construction and maintenance workers who have continued to treat patients, sanitize facilities and construct entire emergency hospital outbuildings in a matter of days to combat this dangerous virus. I will celebrate the researchers and scientists who are studying the virus and searching for viable treatments and an eventual vaccine. I will celebrate our first responders who are still fighting fires, saving lives and protecting our streets. I will celebrate our nation’s grocery workers, farmers, truck drivers and manufacturing workers who have ensured our access to the daily necessities of life.