“What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.” Albert Pike (Introduction, Page 14)

We start our book with this quote and we end every class with this quote because it captures how we should conduct ourselves each and everyday. It forces us to perform a level of self evaluation and determine if our actions are selfish or for the better good. Additionally, it forces us to understand the legacy left by those that paved the way for our successes.

As we sit back and enjoy this Labor Day Holiday, it is important to not forgot what others in our trade have done for us and appreciate their work but also the work of our fellow firefighters. That starts with understanding what Labor Day truly was founded on:

"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." (Source: Department of Labor, http://www.dol.gov/laborday/history.htm)

Although we may disagree from time to time and our strategies and tactics will vary from coast to coast and even city to city, we are all contributing to what makes our Country the best.

As stated in 1882, here to more Pride, Chaos and Kegs! http://www.dol.gov/laborday/history-daze.htm