Did you know each year, towards the end of September, there is a National Tradesmen Day?
Irwin Tools established National Tradesmen Day in September 2011 to celebrate and say thanks to the hardworking men and women who help build America and keep it running. Irwin defines America’s tradesmen as the electricians, plumbers, welders, drywall installers, framers, masons, carpenters, auto mechanics, and more – “our nation’s real working hands.”
They gave away more than 1,000 grandstand tickets to a tradesmen night at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, TN. They gave the tickets to trades workers and honored 23 “Tradesmen of the Track” during pre-race ceremonies with 300 professional tradesmen serving as Grand Marshals for the race.
I almost never read the “Dear Abby” column of the newspaper, but I know that millions of people do. It is the most popular and widely syndicated column in the world.
I read this in the 9/17/12 Tennessean from “Dear Abby” reader Jeff D. from Greenville, SC:
“America’s tradesmen — plumbers, electricians, auto mechanics, roofers, masons and more — get very little respect. In fact, the only time these skilled professionals get our attention is when we have an emergency.
“This lack of regard is leading our nation down an unfortunate pathway, as fewer and fewer young people pursue jobs in these professions. If we don’t change our attitude about the worth of tradesmen, who will build our homes and schools, repair our cars, keep our water flowing and our power turned on?
“On Sept. 21, we have a chance to thank a tradesman. Everyone can participate in National Tradesmen Day: Drop a box of doughnuts at the job site near your home. Call your plumber and say, ‘Thank you for your help over the years.’ Invite a skilled tradesman to speak at your child’s school. The ways to honor them are limitless.”
Abby’s reply agrees and talks about how trades used to be handed down with pride. She cites a recent survey by ManpowerGroup showing that more jobs for skilled tradesmen go unfilled than any other category of employment and how it adversely effects our economy.
There are lots more suggestions of ways to thank tradesmen at NationalTradesmenDay.com.
I’m not telling you all this so that you will tell me thanks next time you see me. Your business is thanks enough for me.
I’m just spreading the word and asking you to say “Thanks” to the tradesmen you see and work with.
And by the way, you can tell them we are grateful for their efforts the other 364 days a year, too!
Also see https://www.facebook.com/nationaltradesmenday for more information
Tradespeople can’t help but feel glad as National Tradesmen Day is established in tribute to the skilled workers who have done great work and have contributed a lot for the progress of the whole country. Thank you to “our nation’s real working hands”.