Walking back from the Tower of London, having just been entertained with the surprising number of ways to gruesomely execute people, I came across this plaque:

It says:

THE BUILDING WORKER

For the thousands of building workers who have lost their lives at work, we commemorate you. For the thousands of building workers who are today building and rebuilding the towns and cities across the United Kingdom, we celebrate you.

The plaque got me thinking about all the tradespeople through history that lent their hands and backs to improve the built environment.  Whether it’s a fun playground

or the beautiful St Andrews cathedral,

everything that gets built includes the Building Worker’s sweat and talent. I wonder if there’s a way to better celebrate the contributions of the Building Worker?

I’ve often done pizza and ice cream lunches for the workers on a project as a way to thank them for their efforts. Everyone appreciates the gesture, but it seems small.

When I see the workmanship shown in this little church near Penrith, I wonder about all the construction workers who quietly ply their trade, appreciated by few. Any ideas for ways to better celebrate the tradesmen and women of our times?