[September 3, 2018] In the United States, Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. Like all successful nations, the U.S. built its foundation on Christianity and Capitalism. Despite the hardships of many, we recognize their hard work and patriotism. Ultimately this is why Labor Day was created.
Whether it is a farm laborer, a Fortune 500 CEO, a school teacher, or a Soldier, all labor to make our culture better and more free. The real Labor Day should recognize everyone who contributes to better their family and community. As such, today I’m recognizing Merrill’s Marauders for their effort to disrupt the Japanese Army in Burma, 1943-44.1
“We were expendable. A plan existed on paper to get us into Burma, but no plan existed to get us out.” – Merrill’s Marauder Sam V. Wilson, U.S. Army Retired Lieutenant General, who helped start Delta Force, 2016
Originally, 3,000 men volunteered for a “secret and dangerous mission” that was so secret they weren’t told what they would be doing. They volunteered anyway and their mission was to march into Burma and fight the Japanese Army while disrupting as much of their logistics network as possible. These were the first Americans to make contact with the Japanese on land.
Their journey led them on a 1,000-mile, history-making march through enemy-held Himalayan foothills into the jungles of Burma.. With only what they could carry on their backs or pack on mules, the Marauders walked farther than any other WWII fighting force. Their courage is only now being told.
Today, Labor Day 2018, I’m highlighting their courageous work to ensure everyone understands that all those who make a contribution to their nation are also part of this special day.
Happy Labor Day 2018.
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- Officially named the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional) with the United States Army as a long-range penetration special operations jungle warfare unit.
Hot summer day here in Florida with all my friends from my hospital where I work, over for hot dogs and hamburgers. Have a wonder Labor Day to all theleadermaker.com fans.
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Yea, very hot.
Loving it today. Thanks.
Wow. Thanks for making my day. Now is time to have a cup of coffee before my wife gets up and I get ready for our big cookout.
It wasn’t that long ago that I had a much narrower view of Labor Day. I think I was thinking about how others viewed Labor Day back when it was originally created. Today, I think we are a little more broadly minded and include many folks into those who we should be honoring today. The criminal is to be excluded. Everyone else is to be honored too.
Same here. You beat me to this comment. I think many still have the narrower view.
I think this is a common way of looking at it anymore.
More good stuff from Gen. Satterfield. Thanks.
Good article and thanks for making my “Labor Day” that much better.
The origins of Labor Day can easily be found today and I believe it was out of the idea that compromise needed to be created to stop the violence our country was seeing at the time. Yes, I too agree we should include all in this Labor Day and recognize those who make a contribution to our communities through paid and volunteer work.
There has been, over the past few decades, a greater recognition of what Merrill’s Mauraders did for us in Burma during the Second World War. Their ability to cut the supply lines of the Japanese Imperial Army was a major reason we were finally able to break the back of their offensive warfare there. It also gave us confidence that their army could be defeated in a head-on clash.
Yes, I agree and thanks Max.
Later this morning, I’ll be getting ready for my outside BBQ with family and friends. Thanks for this morning’s positive and “inclusive” message.
Good article that makes some good points. Thanks.
Happy Labor Day, everyone.
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Coming from a military family, I could not agree with you more!
Well taken point you’ve made. Not everyone recognizes anything other than an hourly-wage job as “work.” When we look at everything we do, I will argue that anything that contributes to the nation is work. That includes stay-at-home moms, soldiers (all military services), lawyers (some will disagree), politicians, and the 9 to 5 office worker, as well as the classic construction worker, dock worker, and secretary.
Excellent point, Max.
Thanks Max. As always, you make some very fine points to consider.
I too agree with you Max. Well said.
Well said.
Thank you for pointing out that what we do in the military should also be recognized as part of the country’s labor movement. Well done.
Yes, I too agree with you Army Captain.