Celebrating Labor Day: Honoring the Legacy of American Workers and the Iconic Rosie the Riveter
Celebrating Labor Day: Honoring the Legacy of American Workers and the Iconic Rosie the Riveter
Labor Day, a cornerstone of American tradition, was born from the labor movement and serves as a day to honor the social and economic achievements of American workers. This annual tribute acknowledges the vital contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. As we enjoy the long weekend, it’s important to remember the rich history behind this holiday and the figures who have come to symbolize the American labor force.
The Origins of Labor Day
Labor Day has grown in significance over the years, with its first governmental recognition coming through municipal ordinances passed in 1885. These early acknowledgments reflected a growing awareness of the importance of the labor movement and the need to celebrate the people who powered the nation’s industries.
By 1909, the American Federation of Labor convention took the celebration a step further by designating the Sunday preceding Labor Day as “Labor Sunday,” a day dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement. This expansion of Labor Day’s meaning highlighted not just the economic contributions of workers, but also their role in shaping the moral and educational fabric of the nation.
Rosie the Riveter: A Symbol of Strength and Resilience
Fast forward to the 1940s, when the United States found itself embroiled in World War II. As the war raged across Europe and the Pacific, the need for labor on the home front became more crucial than ever. Women stepped into roles traditionally held by men, who were now fighting overseas. It was during this time that the iconic figure of Rosie the Riveter emerged.
The song “Rosie the Riveter” became a rallying cry, celebrating the women who were taking on these essential jobs. To support the war effort, Westinghouse commissioned Pittsburgh artist J. Howard Miller to create a series of motivational posters. Among these was the now-famous image of a woman with her hair wrapped in a red polka-dot scarf, rolling up her sleeve and flexing her bicep, accompanied by the bold words “We Can Do It!” Although often associated with Rosie, this poster was actually based on a photograph of Geraldine Hoff, a 17-year-old working as a metal-stamping operator.
Norman Rockwell’s Rosie: A Different Take
In 1943, another iconic image of Rosie the Riveter was created by the legendary artist Norman Rockwell for the Memorial Day issue of the Saturday Evening Post. Rockwell’s Rosie was a muscular woman dressed in overalls, wearing goggles, and adorned with pins of honor on her lapel. She sported a leather wristband and had rolled-up sleeves, embodying the hardworking spirit of the time. Rockwell’s Rosie sat with a riveting tool in her lap, eating a sandwich, with “Rosie” inscribed on her lunch pail. In a powerful symbol of defiance, she was depicted stepping on a copy of Adolf Hitler’s *Mein Kampf*.
While Rockwell’s Rosie became less visible after the war, largely due to strict copyright protection by the Rockwell estate, her impact was undeniable. The original painting sold at Sotheby’s in 2002 for nearly $5 million and was later acquired by the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, in 2009, where it remains a permanent piece of their collection.
The Legacy of Labor Day and Rosie the Riveter
Labor Day is more than just a day off; it’s a celebration of the workers who have built and continue to build this nation. The legacy of Rosie the Riveter, with her rolled-up sleeves and “can-do” attitude, embodies the resilience and determination that define the American spirit. As we honor the achievements of workers past and present, let’s also remember the iconic figures like Rosie who inspire us to continue striving for a better, stronger future.
Just as Rosie has inspired generations, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Journey aims to be the trusted household name Northwest Arkansas depends on for generations to come. And we’re certain that is Rosie was in Real Estate, she would bring that same “can-do” gumption that our agents offer to their clients as we serve their dreams of better future.
Where to Watch: 2024 Firework Displays
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Where to watch: a list of 2024 Firework displays
Whether you are hosting friends and making your own backyard fun or attending a big display, we hope you have a fun and safe holiday. Here are some place to watch fireworks starting this weekend!
Saturday, June 29
Prairie Grove Annual Firework Display
What: Firework display
Where: Prairie Grove High School
Time: Fireworks start at dark
More info: www.facebook.com/PrairieGroveCity
Sunday, June 30
Pea Ridge Freedom Fest
What: Parade, food, games, music, inflatables and fireworks
Where: Discover Church, Pea Ridge (577 Weston Street)
Time: 6 p.m.
More info: Facebook.com
Fireworks at the Crosses
What: Firework display, food, music, baptisms
Where: Pinnacle Hills Cross Church in Rogers
Time: Fireworks begin at dark
More info: www.crosschurch.com
Wednesday, July 3
West Fork Independence Day Celebration
What: Firework display, food trucks, music by Greenland Station Bluegrass Band
Where: Carter Park
Time: 6 p.m., fireworks at dark
More info: Facebook event
Bella Vista Independence Day Fireworks at Loch Lomond
What: Firework display, open to the public
Where: The park below Loch Lomond Dam on Glasgow Road in Bella Vista
Time: Parking starts at 5:30 p.m., and the show begins at dark
More info: bellavistaar.gov
3rd of July Fireworks at Arvest Ballpark
What: Baseball game between NWA Naturals and Springfield Cardinals, and firework display
Where: Arvest Ballpark
Time: Baseball game starts at 7:05 p.m., and fireworks will follow after the game
More info: milb.com
Thursday, July 4
Eureka Springs’s Jamboreeka!
What: Fireworks, live music, water games, beer, and food
Where: Lake Leatherwood City Park in Eureka Springs
Time: Festivities at 5 p.m., fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.
More info: www.eurekaspringschamber.com
Gentry Freedom Fest
What: Live music by Swade Diablos, Eaglemania, Butler Creek Boys, camel rides, inflatables, food, a car show, and a firework display
Where: Gentry City Park
Time: The festival starts at noon, fireworks begin at dark
More info: gentrychamber.com/events
Fireworks Spectacular & Live Orchestra at the Walmart Amp
What: Firework display, patriotic music by SoNA
Where: The Walmart AMP
Time: Music at 7:30 p.m., fireworks begin at 9:15
More info: amptickets.com
Farmington Independence Day Firework Show
What: Firework display
Where: Randall G Lynch Middle School in Farmington
Time: Fireworks begin at dark
More info: Facebook post
An Evening at Orchards Park
What: Firework display, food, and live music
Where: Orchards Park in Bentonville
Time: Music starts at 7 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
More info: bentonvillear.com
4th of July Block Party
What: Firework display, food trucks, line dancing, music by Maud Crawford, and Clay Page
Where: Orchards Park in Bentonville
Time: Starts at 5 p.m., music starts at 6 p.m., fireworks start at around 9:15 p.m.
More info: Facebook Post
Siloam Springs 4th of July Block Party
Enjoy live music, food trucks, family fun, and more on Sue Anglin Dr. near the rodeo grounds. The gates open at 5p, and fireworks start after dark.
Friday, July 5
23rd Annual Fireworks at Beaver
What: Firework show only visible on Beaver lake
Where: Beaver Lake 9484 Simrell Drive in Garfield
Time: Fireworks are scheduled to begin at dark
More info: beaverlakeresorts.com
23rd Annual Fireworks at Beaver
What: Parade, cookout and fireworks
Where: Lost Bridge Village in Garfield
Time: Parade at 4:30 p.m., fireworks begin at dark
More info: lbvca.com
Debt Ceiling Effects on Mortgage Rates
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Debt Ceiling Effects on Mortgage Rates
The biggest news currently with regards to the economy and the market is of course the Debt Ceiling Debate. The rates in regards to mortgages have certainly seen struggles over the last 2 weeks due to this debate and the fact that we are drawing closer to a deadline with a risk of default if the Debt Ceiling is not raised.
One would not think that the Debt Ceiling has anything to do with mortgage rates, and truthfully it does not directly, but indirectly is another story. We must remember that the U.S. relies on foreign central banks and international investors support of the U.S. Dollar as the world’s go-to currency. A mere risk or mention of potential default by the U.S. government in regards to its debt precipitated by a failure to raise the debt ceiling which is what allows us to pay our debts causes an increased ripple effect on the volatility of the U.S. and global economy. This alters the otherwise positive presumption that U.S. Treasury bonds are a safe source of income.
Remember that any market volatility causes an increase in interest rate and right now the center of market volatility is resolving around the Debt Ceiling debate. Jerome Powell told lawmakers very blatantly that Congress must raise the U.S. Governments borrowing limit to avoid what he called “extraordinarily adverse damage to the global economy.” A direct effect of the Debt Ceiling Debate can be seen in the general ebb and flow of risk sentiment throughout the market. Two plausible outcomes can be seen moving forward.
Outcome One – once the Debt Ceiling Debate is resolved (prior to default) in a timely manner, investors will see less risk and become more interested in the normal day to day purchase of stocks and bonds which would alleviate the current heightened volatility within the market allowing rates to ease back down into a normal range of the low to mid 6’s. At which point the FED will continue on its stance of holding rates in that position throughout the course of 2023 in order to make sure the effect on inflation does its job.
Outcome Two – the Debt Ceiling Debate is resolved but goes all the way up to the wire of default, resulting in significant dire consequences such as downgrading of the U.S. Credit Rating which would weaken the U.S. dollar and the ability to pay our bills. This happens because as the dollar weakens in value it costs more to pay of that debt. Popularity of U.S. Bonds weakens, the market continues to see increased volatility, ultimately resulting in a longer and more painful stretch of heightened interest rates.
Over the last 6 months we have discussed that we are on a bumpy road, with this just being the latest bump along the way. The mini-roller coaster of interest rates will continue and it is a matter of time before we reach that final down-hill decent back into normalcy.
Market Watch
Drew Waack\NMLS#: 1573539
Leading The Way To “Be Better.”
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Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Journey is more than just a real estate company, we are a part of the community. We believe that community involvement is key to building strong, thriving neighborhoods where people want to live, work, and play. That’s why we’re proud to be a leader in community involvement, while sticking to our motto “Be Better.”
One of the ways we demonstrate our commitment to the community is through our participation in local events. We recently won the award for the most spirited hydration station during the Bentonville Half Marathon. This event brings together people from all over the area to support each other and push themselves to achieve their goals. We were proud to be a part of that and to support the runners along the way.
We also recently hosted the Better Homes & Gardens Editors Design Panel Event. This event brought together local designers and experts to discuss the latest trends in home design and decor. It was a great opportunity for us to connect with the community and showcase our expertise in the real estate, design and home builder industry.
In addition to these events, we also participate in Bentonville’s First Friday, a monthly event that brings together local businesses and community members for an evening of fun, food, and entertainment. We love being a part of this event and getting to know our neighbors. This last event had us hosting and entertaining the crowd with a beard contest.
Finally, we recently took over the square at the first Farmers Market of the season. This was a great opportunity for us to connect with the community and show our support for local farmers and businesses. We believe in the importance of supporting local and building strong, sustainable communities.
Community involvement is important to us because we know that nobody wants to buy a home in a community that isn’t thriving. By being actively involved in the community, we can help to create a strong, vibrant neighborhood where people want to live. We believe that building strong relationships with our neighbors and supporting local businesses is key to creating a thriving community.
At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Journey, we are committed to being more than just a real estate company. We are a part of the community, and we believe in the importance of community involvement. We will continue to be leaders in the community while sticking to our motto “be better.” We encourage everyone to get involved in their community and make a difference. Together, we can create strong, thriving neighborhoods where everyone can thrive.