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Labor Day traces its beginnings to the late 19th century, when American workers faced long hours, low pay, and unsafe conditions. As the labor movement grew, unions and workers began pressing for reforms. One of their boldest steps came on September 5, 1882, when the Central Labor Union organized a parade in New York City. Thousands marched in solidarity, both to celebrate the dignity of labor and to call for better treatment. The idea caught on quickly, and annual Labor Day observances spread across the nation. In 1887, Oregon became the first state to make Labor Day an official holiday, with others soon following. The turning point came in 1894, in the wake of the violent Pullman Strike, when tensions between laborers and the federal government reached a breaking point. Seeking reconciliation with American workers, President Grover Cleveland signed legislation on June 28, 1894, making Labor Day a national holiday, observed on the first Monday in September.

Since then, Labor Day has honored the contributions of working men and women to the nation’s strength and prosperity. While today it often marks the unofficial end of summer, it still carries its original meaning: a reminder of the dignity of work and the sacrifices made to secure fair conditions for all.

My father, Ricardo Hernandez Alegria, Sr., died early Friday morning, on September 2, 1994. My siblings and mom were upstairs in mom’s home and at my sister’s home, which was next door. Dad had a hospital bed in one of the downstair rooms. Cancer was going to win this battle, but did not win the war. Cancer did not define my father, but God did. Why am I writing about my father?

As long as I can remember my father, until his bout with Guillain-Barre’ Syndrome in January 1978, was the epitome of hard work. The virus slowed him for one year. 60-hour work weeks was a normal schedule for him and mom. They owned 7 Seas Fish Market, 1602 South Staples Street, in Corpus Christi, since 1960. He told the story that he dropped out of school in the third grade to go to work to help the household where he was currently living. My father had a challenging upbringing. He learned to drive 18-wheel trucks that hauled fish and shrimp from Brownsville, Texas to the tip of Florida, while working for Herndon Seafood.

Then the opportunity to buy the fish market came about. Being an independent businessman had its challenges and opportunities. He lived with both. Initially, the fish market was open seven days a week, ten-hour days. Pastor Ramon Ramirez convinced my father to forego Sunday, for the Lord would bless him. This gave an opportunity for the whole Alegria Family to go to church. The Lord did bless the business. My father gave his life to the Lord, and was very active in the church at all levels.

It will be 31 years that my father took his last breath. I was there. I was honored. I called my siblings and mom, to be part of that moment. I believe that we went to funeral home to make arrangements that afternoon. Mom and dad had already made arrangements years before. Some minor details that had to be settled. A Wake Service would be on Sunday night, with the main service on Monday morning, Labor Day, September 5, 1994. The worship services were a blur to me. I was invited to participate, but I wanted to be with family. What I remember was the procession from Kelsey Memorial United Methodist Church to Seaside Memorial Cemetery. The procession took us past the Fish Market, pass Mom and Dad’s home, down familiar streets where we grew up, to the cemetery. The playing of Taps, with a 21-gun salute, continues to bring chills and memories. There, at the graveside service, a US flag was folded and handed to mom.  Words from the preachers were spoken. We stayed with mom until the cemetery plot was filled. [An Alegria tradition.]

You have heard me write and say, “No one ever leaves us until they are no longer remembered.” Rest in peace, Old Man. Rest in peace. [My father served in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict. The captain of the ship is always called, Old Man.]

Blessings from Pottsboro, Pastor Frank (alegria@lakewayumc.org)