Our Opinion: More workers on the job for Thanksgiving

The number of people who will be on the job Thanksgiving Day grows each year.

We recall a time - not many years ago - when we would express gratitude to the law enforcement, emergency services and medical personnel who worked on Thanksgiving.

Those employees deserve appreciation for forgoing time with family to work holidays on out behalf.

The ranks of workers on duty on Thanksgiving continues to increase, and this year will be no exception.

Retailers this year are moving up the start of the competitive holiday season, with a number of stores launching Black Friday deals on Thanksgiving Thursday.

Similarly, more restaurants are opening or expanding hours on Thanksgiving.

As a result, more sales managers, associates, clerks, cashiers, cooks, servers and pizza delivery drivers will spend Thanksgiving with co-workers rather than family members.

A temptation is to bemoan further commercialization of the holiday season.

Reactions to this trend vary, but be mindful that merchants are responding to a public appetite that seeks convenience and bargains.

Restaurants wouldn't open if no one dined out; pizzas wouldn't be delivered if none were ordered; and retailers wouldn't open earlier if lines didn't form outside the stores.

In keeping with a holiday tradition, we appreciate the workers who will be on duty this Thanksgiving, whether they are serving public needs or wants.