It is now a holiday, and for many, it’s a day off to start their Christmas shopping. I assume the idea behind making November 11th a holiday was to plan to take the family to Remembrance Day celebrations, watch the Veteran parades or honorary functions in our community. Certainly, some people do take the time to attend these important events and remember those who made us who we are today. Many of the workforce I spoke to are still working this Wednesday, and taking a day off in lieu at Christmas. A longer paid holiday lumped in with Santa is seemingly more important than those who fought and lost, for the good of the nation. Most people don’t want a Wednesday off anyway; it falls in the middle of the week. Do you think our veterans thought about the difference between a Wednesday and a Friday when they were fighting our enemies? Do you think those still fighting wars we did not start care about a Wednesday day off? We tend to complain a lot in North America, too much really, and about everything! We complain about our jobs, about working too much, or too little. We complain about our clients, our co-workers, and our bosses. We complain about the price of everything and how we don’t make enough money to pay for stuff we don’t need. We complain about the flu, the flu shot, getting the shot or not, the lineups, and the locations. We hate the weather, rain or shine; it is never good enough. Our war heroes don’t complain much though. They don’t complain about the conditions they chose to work in; that is right, chose! They are saddened by losing their co-workers, not because of lay-offs, but because of death! This Wednesday, we should remember how great we have it here at home, whether we are working or not. We should still take the minute of silence regardless of what we are doing that day. We should wear our poppies with pride this week, and attend the events that are created for remembrance! We should take one day, holiday or not, to be thankful for those who have chosen the difficult jobs overseas, to ensure our freedom. We should take the day to not complain about one thing, because we all have choices, and most of ours are safe and comfortable. This Wednesday, make sure to stop and remember!
-- Sharlene Massie is the C.E.O. of About Staffing Ltd., a dynamic personnel agency specializing in direct-hire and temporary placements. Questions for Sharlene? Visit the About Staffing website at www.aboutstaffing.com, and click on the link under the Sun logo. This article may be reproduced or transmitted if done so in its entirety, including this copyright line: Copyright 2009, by About Staffing Ltd., all rights reserve.
