Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Louisiana is leading the nation in recognizing the everyday heroes who power American families and communities. A bold new billboard, erected in preparation for the 5th Annual St. Joseph the Worker Day, is now up along highly visible Interstate 10, between Lafayette and Baton Rouge. This stretch carries an estimated 70,000+ vehicles per day and serves as a major freight corridor supporting high-volume commerce, tourism, and regional connectivity across the state. The billboard stands as a prominent reminder of Louisiana’s statewide May 1st “Thank a Worker” day.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said:
“Louisiana is leading the nation in recognizing the dignity and importance of work by establishing St. Joseph the Worker Day on May 1st of each year. America was built on the backs of hardworking men and women, and we ought to be celebrating their vital contributions. I’m proud that Wisconsin has joined Louisiana as the second state in the nation to embrace this effort, and we encourage all states to follow our lead. On May 1st, I invite every family, business, church, civic and community organization to join the ‘Thank a Worker’ movement with simple acts of gratitude that honor the true strength of our great state and our great nation.”
Louisiana St. Joseph the Worker Day was unanimously established in 2021 through Louisiana Senate Resolution No. 116. The observance pays tribute to all workers and their contributions. This includes military personnel, educators, first responders, healthcare providers, energy workers, farmers, fishermen, mechanics, restaurant staff, barbers and beauticians, administrative professionals, finance experts, and many others. It gives special recognition to mothers, who are believed to hold the most important vocation of all.
In this era of rapid technological change and artificial intelligence, May 1st serves as a timely reminder of the irreplaceable value of human creativity, care, and dedication. In 2025, Wisconsin became the second state in the nation to formally adopt the observance through Senate Joint Resolution 16, recognizing May 1st of each year as Wisconsin St. Joseph the Worker Day.
Wisconsin Senator Cory Tomczyk said: “Wisconsin proudly joins Louisiana to honor our workers—farmers, factory workers, teachers, tradespeople—who reflect St. Joseph’s humility, perseverance, and service. This resolution affirms work’s vital role in thriving communities.”
While the United States spotlights American workers with a federal holiday on Labor Day — the first Monday in September — this movement seeks to reclaim May 1st as another special day to champion our nation’s workers. Globally, May 1st has long been observed as International Workers’ Day. While that observance has often emphasized state power and class divisions, a more hopeful vision emerged in 1955 when Pope Pius XII established the worldwide feast of St. Joseph the Worker on the same date. This feast draws inspiration from St. Joseph, the humble carpenter whose life modeled dignity, dedication, patience, humility, and service.
This initiative is a non-partisan, grassroots effort and invites all people to affirm the dignity of labor and the human spirit.
“Louisiana’s working men and women deserve our recognition for what they do each and every day,” said Scott A. Angelle, Former Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana and former Director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), U.S. Department of the Interior and one of the founders of the St. Joseph the Worker Initiative. “It’s only right that we call a time-out to express our gratitude to those who are able and willing to get up each morning, put in an honest day’s work, and provide for their families. Their grit not only strengthens our communities but sets a powerful example for the next generation.”
Businesses, schools, churches, organizations, and families are encouraged to participate through simple, heartfelt acts such as:
• Hosting a St. Joseph the Worker Day breakfast for employees or first responders
• Buying coffee for a delivery driver or neighbor
• Writing thank-you notes to teachers and healthcare workers
• Offering “lagniappe” (a Cajun term for a little something extra) to those who serve
Every act counts. A growing number of organizations have already committed to participating, including Ochsner Lafayette General Hospital, St. Thomas More Catholic High School, and USA Energy Workers.
While participation is voluntary and free, organizations and individuals are invited to register their ‘Thank a Worker’ activities at saintjosephtheworker.com.
