CHOCOWINITY — Some make their living cooking in a restaurant or ringing up customers in a store, while others choose careers in public service.

Regardless, the local public work force continues to make lasting contributions to the prosperity of the community at large.

Monday’s traditional celebration of Labor Day began more than a century ago. In 1894, the U.S. Congress unanimously approved making Labor Day a national holiday to honor the nation’s workforce. President Grover Cleveland signed the legislation into law and the first Monday in September has been observed as a holiday ever since.

Today, communities across the nation celebrate Labor Day with festivals, parades, picnics and other gatherings. Retailers often piggy-back the three-day holiday weekend to boost special sales, as well, ensuring that at least some of the workforce continues to work even on their special day.