Why celebrate Labor Day?

Last Friday, government agencies all over the Commonwealth jammed the grounds of the Garapan Fishing Base to celebrate Labor Day and kick off a lengthy four-day weekend.

The annual gathering unites individuals all over the island to take a day off, get together for some fun and camaraderie, and celebrate service to the community.

Throughout the year, an average person works roughly over 2,000 hours. The Labor Day holiday was created to honor every individual who works these hours. However, as the years go by, the holiday’s relevance becomes more and more opaque. To find out more, Saipan Tribune went around to ask a few individuals why Labor Day should be celebrate.

“Labor Day is an annual thing that celebrates the labor of all the government employees on island. We have to thank them for all the hard work they put in the past.”
—Eli Cabrera, Division of Parks and Recreations

“Labor Day is dedicated to working individuals who work hard throughout the year. This is the day where different agencies come together to just enjoy themselves in each other’s company.
—Evelyn Sablan, CPA

“Everyday, the staff work hard, day in and day out. It’s extra special to take a day off of work to gather and join with their families and just have fun.”
—Marianne Teregeyo, DPL

“We recognize each other and it’s also motivation to work harder. It’s also a day to appreciate your job, co-workers, and especially your boss.
—Yuuki Kishimoto, Saipan Mayor’s Office

“It’s important to celebrate Labor Day because of all the hard work that every man and woman does every day, so they need a break.”
—Kay Litulumar, Saipan Mayor’s Office

“Just one day out of the year, our staff needs one day out of the year to just celebrate with their families , co-workers, and all the other agencies on island.
—Joann Aquino, Saipan Mayor’s Office

“It’s the way to show our appreciation to our workers. They are the backbone of the economy. It’s important to recognize our workers.
—Mark Badal, Transcend

“Everyone deserves a break because many individuals are so hard working. You shouldn’t over-stress yourself. It’s the day for working individuals to clear their minds and escape reality.”
—Ciscabelle David, student

“Labor Day is important because it commemorates and recognizes the hard work of people who serve the community.”
—Meriden Hocog, DFS Galleria

“We celebrate Labor Day because individuals need to take time off from their busy schedules and just relax and celebrate themselves. They deserve a break.
—Riza Hocog, student