Americans Observe Labor Day

美国人过劳工节

President Bush has sent his greetings to the millions of Americans who are celebrating the Labor Day holiday today (Monday). In a statement issued Sunday, the president said American workers are vital to the nation's economic prosperity as they help confront the competitive challenges of the global marketplace.

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, was created by the U.S. labor movement. Labor Day has been celebrated annually for more than a century, a yearly tribute to the contributions of workers. Labor Day is generally considered a day to engage in recreational activities, such as picnicking with family and friends - and not working.

星期一，布什总统向千百万庆祝劳工节的美国人表示祝贺。他在星期天发表的一份声明中说，美国劳工是国家经济繁荣的关键，他们帮助对抗来自全球市场的竞争挑战。

把9月的第一个星期一定为劳工节是美国劳工运动的产物。一百多年来，为了向劳工做出的贡献表达敬意，美国每年都庆祝这个节日。多数人在劳工节这天不工作，传统上举行一些娱乐活动，包括和亲友在户外野餐。