In cities across the country today, trades workers will be honored as part of National Tradesmen Day. The event was started in 2011 by Irwin Tool as a way to celebrate those in the trades, including roofers, plumbers and HVAC techs.

 “Professional tradesmen deserve our respect and our thanks,” said Curt Weber, vice president of marketing for Irwin Tools. “To say thank you to America’s tradesmen is a privilege and an honor. These men and women, in many ways, are the unsung heroes of our nation. They are the real working hands that build America and keep it running strong.”

 Workers constructing New York City’s One World Trade Center were scheduled to arrive at work today receiving handshakes and appreciation gifts from Irwin employees. In Dallas, employees working at Parkland Hospital, the largest healthcare construction site in the country, were set to be greeted and thanked by more Irwin employees, hospital administrators and public officials before they start today’s shift. Celebrations were also scheduled for jobsites in Chicago; Charlotte, N.C.; Columbia, S.C.; and many other cities across the country.

 “National Tradesmen Day belongs to all of us because we all owe a debt of gratitude to professional tradesmen,” Weber said. “When tradesmen are working, building, constructing or repairing, that is a sign of progress, and it deserves our patience and appreciation as these men and women work to build a better tomorrow.” 

 For more information about National Tradesmen Day, visit www.nationaltradesmenday.com or www.facebook.com/nationaltradesmenday.