When the platinum song-writing, country music group, Alabama, was turning out one hit after another for well over a decade, they created a song which celebrated the work ethic of many Americans. The title was Forty Hour Week For a Livin’. The first stanza starts like this:

There are people in this country who work hard every day

Not for fame or fortune do they strive

But the fruits of their labor

Are worth more than their pay  

And it’s time a few of them were recognized

Alabama cited auto workers, steel mill workers, carpenters, sales counter workers, fire fighters, mail carriers, wheat field farmers, coal miners, truck drivers, waitresses, mechanics, policemen and everyone behind the scenes. Of course it would have been an hour long song if most jobs were listed, but the point was made.

I captured these guys working in freezing temps with a hefty wind chill as they (and others on the ground) installed a new utility pole near our home. They cut the power and transferred a transformer and high voltage lines, as well as installed guy wires and brackets for various cable companies. I didn’t ask, but beards and sunglasses, along with all of the standard gear and safety equipment, must be mandatory. Ha! I thought of the words to the Alabama song as soon as I saw these men working in pretty poor conditions. I’m sure they make good money, but more than that, they represent what hard work is all about. While there are some in this country who don’t have a clue as to this concept, please note that there are plenty more who do. The last stanza of Alabama’s tribute goes like this:

With a spirit you can’t replace with no machine  

Hello America, let me thank you for your time…

I, too, thank many for their hard work, especially those who place their lives in harm’s way or receive little recognition for their labors.