There are people in America who care about others. When they see the need, they gladly respond for people and animals. They are decent, kind and care about making life better for everyone. They seek no praise, no reward, no attention or recognition for their efforts. The best things in life are given freely, like the air we breathe and human generosity.

Many of those caring people comprise America’s labor force. Their jobs vary from farming to trash collection. They do many jobs that others can’t or refuse to do — the work that fuels this country and makes it function. A great amount of these jobs are done by foreigners and immigrants, documented and undocumented, who also pay taxes.

Currently we are experiencing a sizable reduction of our labor force, and that will take much time to rectify. I wonder who can or will choose to slaughter animals for the meat industry, labor in farm fields, pick fruit from trees, assemble footwear, prepare fast food, sweep floors, collect garbage, shovel snow or gravel, clean homes, or the endless list of many other difficult or unpopular jobs. These jobs cannot be left undone.

We must never forget that now and since its beginning — America was and is made great by those who care about others and by those who do the needed labor.

Charles J. La Mark

Logantown, Altoona