Labor Day - a bittersweet celebration?

How will LaborFest look in 2008, after repeated downsizing, layoffs, buyouts and now an announced closing of Janesville's GM Plant?

If the past year is any indication -- there will be NO Difference.

Our neighbors and friends are hurting. There's no question about that. But they are also strong, solid citizens who have practiced giving back to their community in dozens of way -- from food drives to fund raisers for a number of charities. They have participated in many community events -- most recently assisting ECHO with the Packer Tailgate fundraiser and offering a new home to the Rotary Corn Roast and Mud Volleyball.

Our families of the UAW have hosted LaborFest for many years -- as a way to bring our community together and celebrate all that is good. That will not change.

What I hope will change is the spirit of those of us who are not losing our jobs or having to make dramatic changes.

I hope we'll stand up for our neighbors. I hope we'll thank the hundreds volunteering their time this weekend for the festival when they could just as easily be home feeling sorry for themselves. I hope we'll learn from their example that the American Spirit can be pummeled without being broken.

This Labor Day .. and in the days to come, I hope we all have the compassion to say "thank you" for all our Union neighbors have done for the community.

I'll see you at the parade at 1pm Monday.