Friends,

For many, Labor Day is a chance to enjoy the last long weekend of summer. But at its heart, this day is about honoring the dignity of work and the people whose labor built our communities.

For me, it’s also personal. My father, Paul, was the very definition of a self-made man. He worked at Northern Steel in Medford, where he became treasurer of the steelworkers’ local union. He didn’t take the easy path. While working full time, carrying union responsibilities, and raising a young family, he spent nine long years grinding through night school at Bentley to earn his degree in accounting. At four years old, I watched him graduate with his bachelor’s degree – one of the proudest moments of his life and, as I look back, of mine.

That relentless work ethic carried him from accountant to CEO of Roche Bros. Supermarkets. But no matter how high he climbed, he never forgot where he came from. He dedicated himself to service, serving on the board of his alma mater Malden Catholic High School and on the board of the Greater Boston Food Bank, to work toward a future where no family goes hungry.

This Labor Day, I reflect on his legacy – the grit, perseverance, and service that defined his life. His story reminds me that Labor Day isn’t just about a long weekend; it’s about honoring those who never take the easy way, who sacrifice for their families, and who make our Commonwealth stronger through their work. Those are the values that drive me, and those are the values I will continue to carry forward in serving Massachusetts.

Sincerely,

Mike Kennealy