Annual parade honors American worker

SOUTH BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Labor Day may mark the unofficial end to summer, but it's also a day to recognize the contributions of the American worker.

In South Buffalo, the annual Labor Day parade marched down Abbott Road. People lined the route on the hot and humid first Monday in September.

Erie County Clerk Chris Jacobs said, "Our work ethic, which comes from our hard working roots, really is something unique."

The parade is a chance to pay tribute to the men and women who keep things going.

Mayor Byron Brown said, "Whether it is the public sector or the private sector, we have a very strong workforce in Buffalo and western New York."

State Assemblyman Sean Ryan, the parade's grand marshal, says he's more optimistic than ever about the region's future.

"You can feel there's a real optimism in the air. When you speak to people, they're happy, and they're saying we're on the verge of something good," Ryan said.

Rep. Brian Higgins added, "When you see investments in the GM Engine Plant, while they're closing plants elsewhere. When you see investments in the Ford Stamping Plant, when Ford's closing plants elsewhere. That's not coincidental. It speaks to the quality of the American worker. The worker right here in Buffalo and western New York."