As Labor Day approaches here in the U.S. and Canada, most people are gearing up for the unofficial end of summer. They’re firing up the grill, packing for a final trip to the lake, or just looking forward to that glorious, blessed, three-day weekend. It’s a moment to exhale, to celebrate the contributions of workers everywhere, and to just… well, not work. And honestly, I’m all for it. A day of rest is a beautiful thing.
But for those in the funeral service profession, Labor Day looks a little different. Most don't get the day off. They’re on call, at the funeral home, or even at the graveside. And you know what? Funeral professionals wouldn’t have it any other way.
There isn’t a complaint—not even a little bit. This is a point of pride. A quiet, humble honor that speaks to the very heart of what they do. Their work doesn't punch a clock, and neither does grief. When a family needs the profession, they need them now, not on Tuesday after the long weekend. And they answer that call.
To truly understand why this is so, you have to appreciate the history of the holiday itself. Labor Day, or Labour Day as our Canadian friends across the border spell it, has its roots in the late 19th century. Back then, industrial workers in both countries were toiling away under brutal conditions, working 10, 12, even 14 hours a day, six days a week. They were tired, they were underpaid, and they decided to do something about it.
The holiday was born out of protest and perseverance. In 1882, the Central Labor Union in New York City organized a parade of over 10,000 workers who took unpaid leave to march for their rights. They demanded things like an eight-hour workday and fair wages. The movement gained traction, and by 1894, both the U.S. and Canada had officially made the first Monday in September a national holiday to honor the labor movement and the immense contributions of workers to society. It was a victory, a monumental step toward recognizing the value of a hard day's work and, just as importantly, the value of a day of rest.
And that’s the beautiful irony for our profession. While the world celebrates a day of rest, funeral folks celebrate a day of service. It’s a testament to the fact that while most industries can hit pause, funeral service cannot. When a loved one passes, there is no “out of office” reply for the family's needs. They are the last responders, a sacred role that is held with the utmost reverence.
They are there on holidays, weekends, and late into the night. They are there to answer the phone call at 3 a.m. and to guide a family through their darkest hours. And in a world that often rushes and hurries, they are there to slow down, to listen, and to provide comfort.
Of course, this dedication doesn’t go unnoticed. Funeral professionals receive heartfelt letters, emails, and phone calls from families who express their profound gratitude. They thank them for our "patience," our "compassion," and our "attention to detail." They tell them how their presence made an unbearable time a little more manageable, and how they brought a sense of peace to a chaotic situation.
These words of appreciation are a bonus, their holiday pay, if you will. They remind those in the space that the work, while physically and emotionally demanding, is meaningful beyond measure. Funeral directors are not just arranging services or preparing a loved one for their final farewell; they are providing a foundation of support, a safe space for grief, and a pathway to healing.
So this Labor Day, while you're enjoying your barbecue and that well-deserved day off, know that they are here. They are working. And they are honored to do so. They stand on the shoulders of those who fought for the rights of all workers, and in doing so, continue their legacy of service, dedication, and dignity.
Cheers to all the workers out there, and a special toast to those who serve when the world rests. It’s not just a job; it’s a calling. And it's a privilege.
Labor Day Off?