Labor Day and 25th Anniversary of 9/11

This week offers Americans the chance to commemorate two different historical priorities as well as a chance to read books and watch movies that honor both occasions.

First, Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

In 1906, Upton Sinclair published The Jungle. His goal was to expose the deplorable conditions at factories in Chicago and other American cities.

In 1979 Irving Ravetech and Harriet Frank Jr. gave us the screenplay for Norma Rae - a young single mother and textile worker who agrees to help unionize her mill despite the dangers involved.

Interested in a few more "labor" themed books? Check out this list of twenty best labor day books.

Secondly, The 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks occurs this week on Friday. Veterans Affairs (VA) cemeteries and communities nationwide are hosting volunteer events and National Day of Service and Remembrance activities to honor the victims and first responders.

Meanwhile, many reports indicate President Trump and other national leaders plan to mark the solemn anniversary at the Pentagon memorial site rather than Ground Zero.

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is holding its annual commemoration ceremony at the Memorial Plaza, where families of victims will read aloud the names of those lost. Many other institutions, including Penn State University and Hanscom Air Force Base, are also hosting events and ceremonies to remember the attacks and honor the victims and first responders. You can also participate in the #RemembertheSky digital commemoration or the 9/11 Anniversary Digital Learning Experience offered by the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. 

How to Observe the 25th Anniversary

A live Broadcast: 9/11 Memorial Museum

• Attend a Ceremony: The main event is at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City, with family members reading the names of the victims, according to a Facebook post. Many other commemorative ceremonies, such as one at Hanscom Air Force Base and Sherwood Island State Park in Connecticut, will also be taking place. 
• Participate in Digital Events: Join the #RemembertheSky digital commemoration by posting a photo of the sky, or take part in the 9/11 Anniversary Digital Learning Experience from the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. 
• Leave a Tribute: Visit neverforget.org/remember to leave a message of remembrance and tribute on the Remembrance Wall. 
• Learn from First-Person Accounts: The 9/11 Memorial & Museum offers a 30-minute film with personal stories from first responders, family members, and other survivors.
• Watch from home: National Geographic releases emotional 9/11 special to commemorate the 25th anniversary. See more: https://abc7ny.com/post/national-geographic-releases-emotional-trailer-new-911-special-reunited/19658054/
• See some of my thoughts and experiences with students today: click links below.

How about you? What are some of your favorite labor inspired reads? Do you remember? Are you doing anything to commemorate this day? Is your town? To learn more about this event and how to commemorate. check out the 9/11 Memorial & Museum

IWSG: Archetypes and Other Repeats

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs. You can also join us on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG, or on the Facebook page.

Now, IWSG hosts have changed up the format in an effort to make it more fun and interactive. Every month, they will announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Don’t forget to visit others that day to see their answers. Want to join, or learn more? Visit our - Sign-up List.

SEPTEMBER QUESTION - Do you have a favorite character archetype you tend to gravitate toward in your writing?

MY ANSWER - I don't think I have one archetype that I gravitate toward, but I've noticed I usually have at least one character who is oblivious to some fact that other characters pick up on faster. I think I do this because I have so often felt like I was clueless about something or someone.

How about you? Do you have a favorite character archetype you tend to gravitate toward in your writing?