The Shadow
Labor Day and Memories of Tragedy
On September 7, Americans will celebrate Labor Day.
The American worker serves as a backbone for our economy. Thanks to the fruits of their labor, our communities reap the rewards of more opportunity, business growth and expanded access to goods and services.
Even in times of hardship where industries face new challenges, and when innovative technologies emerge, the American workforce shows resilience by adapting.
This resilience takes shape in the belief that hard work is central to our communities. We see numerous investments that drive this belief for our region’s workforce.
In the last year, Henry County celebrated various company investments resulting in a cumulative total of more than $100 million.
There is also Narro Trucks which recently launched in Pulaski County. The electric utility vehicle company will power new jobs for the New River Valley.
Further, thanks to a new industrial investment, Bland County’s Virginia Steel and Fabrication is set to expand operational capabilities.
Earlier this year, I toured the Virginia Steel plant in Bastian to receive updates on its operations and leadership.
These industry decisions, among others, will support regional job, generate friendly climates for small businesses and deliver renewed hope for our communities.
Because these investments mean so much, I am an advocate for federal policies that help the American worker access opportunity for work.
From job programs, including ones that develop skills, to friendly tax environments, we can use policy to strengthen this access.
As we rest for Labor Day weekend, join me in celebrating the American worker.
Days after Labor Day, I will join our communities to recognize solemn occasions.
September 10 marks the one-year anniversary of the assassination of a conservative icon. In broad daylight on a college campus, Turning Point USA CEO Charlie Kirk was murdered by an individual seemingly indoctrinated by radical gender ideology.
My family shared the shock and grief with millions of Americans stunned by Kirk’s murder.
Following the slaying, I supported Kirk’s legacy and memory, visiting Virginia Tech with Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears for a candlelight vigil.
Outside of my DC office along with countless other Congressional offices, I displayed a poster of Kirk.
Additionally, I voted with 309 of my House colleagues to honor Kirk’s life and legacy. It was disappointing to see more than 100 Democrats refrain from supporting the House resolution, but I remain committed to protecting the conservative values and freedoms that Kirk constantly worked to defend.
Perhaps nothing meant more to Kirk’s movement than the freedom of speech, a cornerstone of our country’s founding and the U.S. Constitution.
We must never forget that disagreements, discourse and debate are healthy for our government. Kirk provided a venue for our younger generations to recognize this fundamental truth.
Silencing Americans is never a solution. I will continue to support policies that protect the freedom of speech.
Please join me on September 10 to not only pray for Charlie, but to ask that God helps with healing for Charlie’s widow, Erika, their two young children and the entire Kirk family.
Americans will also reflect on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
To this day, the attacks are a painful memory for millions of Americans as well as many across the entire world.
I have the memory of working that morning in my law office when my bookkeeper, Terry Haynie, grabbed my attention. She informed me that a plane struck a Tower of the World Trade Center.
After turning our eyes to the television to see the events live, we watched the second plane crash into the South Tower.
The Pentagon was also hit, while a thwarted attempt resulted in a plane crash in Pennsylvania.
When passengers of Flight 93 knew the end was coming, they would not allow that plane to be used to attack America. It is believed that plane was headed for the U.S. Capitol where I now work.
In total, more than 3,000 innocent lives were taken from us that day.
While the terrorists sought to strike fear, they failed to break the enduring spirit of the American people.
Following the tragedy, I drove to Salem’s Kmart store to buy an American flag. I proudly displayed it outside my office.
I plan to attend a 9/11 wreath laying with former Governor Glenn Youngkin at the National D-Day Memorial.
With these events on the horizon, it will be an emotional time for many.
But over the Labor Day weekend, we will rejoice that the American worker is the most efficient, hardworking labor force in the world.
If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at https://morgangriffith.house.gov/.
