Americans never imagined that the quality of life for the next generation would be less than theirs, but that's today's reality.

Each Labor Day allows me to reflect upon how my father provided for his family with a pick and shovel as a railroad laborer all his working life. He worked on cold and hot days, day and night, and never complained. And like workers today, he was proud to be able to meet the needs of his family. It's not by chance that the symbols of Utah reflect industry that is characteristic of the strong work ethic that we Utahns possess.

Today's Labor Day brings a range of emotions: gratitude for the day and what it represents as a celebration, yet heartache seeing long lines of workers who want to work but are caught in a struggling economy. The growing number of unemployed is a grim reminder of the disappearing jobs in one of the toughest economies we've experienced. They are the older workers who have seen their jobs vanish — jobs they thought would help them live a life of dignity and see their children live the quality of life they once enjoyed. Now, we see young workers who invested in the American Dream laid off and their dream in foreclosure — among them are our family, friends and neighbors.

Today, we see hundreds of applicants applying for jobs paying less than ones they once held. People with college degrees and skills are no different than the unskilled; all are in the same boat. Individuals and families are under stress, some only one paycheck or major illness away from homelessness. Many thought it could not happen to them or their loved ones.

Labor Day, in previous years, was a day of celebrating the fruits of our labor and the prosperity and quality of life we have come to expect; celebrating the struggle past generations made that improved the health, safety, equity and pay for many Americans. It was the celebration of summer vacations punctuated with picnics, hot dogs, games and family gatherings. And it made going back to the job a bit easier — "back on your head."

Labor Day today is more solemn, and for many a time of worrying about finding a job and making ends meet. Though we face trying times, let us take a moment to reflect on the blessings we have enjoyed and look around to see the labor of our neighbors and those who came before us. Look around and thank the workers who built our communities, our roads, our homes, fixed our pipes, cars, picked our food, picked up our trash, prepared our food and waited on us. Take the time to thank the store clerk, who may be someone's grandmother, who will help you today. They are all part of what makes America work.

As we begin a new season, let us renew our faith in each other that, while we face hard times as Americans, we have always found the will to overcome dark days by sticking together. That's how our nation was built, and we can do it again. Let us commit and ask our leaders to renew our policies and institutions so that they will strengthen our families by rebuilding a workplace that is safe, healthy, fair and provides living wages for all Utahns.

We should remind ourselves that this state was built by people who were willing to work, sweat and sacrifice together for the greater good of our communities. No one makes it alone.

A Utah native, John Florez has founded several Hispanic civil rights organizations; been on the staff of Sen. Orrin Hatch, served on more than 45 state, local and volunteer boards; and filled White House appointments, including deputy assistant secretary of labor and as a member of the commission on Hispanic education. E-mail: jdflorez@comcast.net.