I moved away from Los Angeles to Sweden at age 21, so I haven't celebrated Labor Day in all these years. The lifestyle and history is so different from the States, but one thing is similar in many countries; the memory of 12 hour workdays, 7 days a week and child labor.

For those of you who do not know, Labor Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September. The holiday originated in 1882 as the Central Labor Union (of New York City) sought to create "a day off for the working citizens".

Congress made Labor Day a federal holiday in 1894. All fifty states have made Labor Day a state holiday.

Traditionally, Labor Day is celebrated by most Americans as the symbolic end of the summer and is regarded as a day of rest.

My family always had great family get-togethers - pot-luck picnics - on Santa Monica Beach. We had fun in the sun, frolicking on the sand and in the sea.

It seems ironic that today, Labor Day in the States, Hurricane Gustav is forcing many people in the very city where my parents families lived, New Orleans, to evacuate to other States.

It's so easy to forget how comfortable we have all become in our modern-day lives, and that on this National Day of Rest, Hurricane Gustav is making us remember and take notice.

In this time of uncertainty and potential tradgedy, I want to humbly wish all Americans a Happy Labor Day, and to send my blessings to the many families and animals that are being evacuated to safety.

Angela Wickenberg

Tags: LaborDay, Family memories, day of rest, hurrican Gustav