Got the ribs marinating? Beach towels in the truck? It's Labor Day, and hopefully, like millions of other Americans, you're taking a well-deserved day off.

But do you have any idea how this holiday came about? It began as a way to recognize and remember that hard-won right to unionize. So we at www.PacificNetwork.tv honor all the courageous men and women who struggled for workers' rights from the late 19th century to pre-statehood Hawai'i.

During these difficult economic times, we are thankful for work that fulfills our spirit.

On this Labor Day, an appropriate person to quote would be man of ambition, Punahou graduate and U.S. President Barack Obama:

"We need to steer clear of this poverty of ambition, where people want to drive fancy cars and wear nice clothes and live in nice apartments but don't want to work hard to accomplish these things. Everyone should try to realize their full potential."

Enjoy the day!