Light rain showers did not dampen the enthusiasm to honor employees, workers, and labor and their contributions to Salina during Saturday’s Labor Day event.

City Commissioner Aaron Householter kicked off the morning by saying the commission was working to stimulate growth, keep taxes down, and listen to constituents.

Then Joe Cassell gave a historical rendition of events that occurred in Salina. This included the building of railroads, highway systems and Camp Phillips—“all created numerous well paying jobs.”

Today Phillips Lighting, Exide, Schwans and Tony’s Pizza, El Dorado and the various institutions of higher education, to name a few employers, have taken over with a large employment base, he said. Cassell went on to say he has always been proud to have been a teamster and trucker for Graves Truck Line for over 30 years.

The Labor Day proclamation read by Bob Storer, Salina, retired railroad maintenance, stated “The many businesses and manufacturing companies exist because of the educated, trained, and ready-to-work labor force that resides in the Salina area. Efforts of our forefathers must not be taken for granted or forgotten. It is our duty to make a contribution to the betterment of the city and community, and to pass on a strong work ethic to our next generation. Salina was built by Labor and what we have now, and hope for, is worth working for.”

Finally Topeka City Councilman and IBEW organizer Chad Manspeaker reflected on the value of people in communities, organizations, jobs and government.

More than 40 people attended which was a larger attendance than the last rally five years ago. Organizers plan to continue with a Labor Day event in future years.