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ALBANY, GA -- There were plenty of smiles Monday at Veterans Park. A shortened work-week can do that, because for many people Labor Day is a day where they don't have to punch the clock.

 “We have the labor unions and all the hard working men and women down here celebrating Labor Day,” said Derek Pullen, who helped organize the event.

With food and music, workers and their families were invited out to a day honoring American workers.

“This is just a day to get together with different members of the union and brother electricians and celebrate, get to know their family, and just enjoy the holiday,” said I.B.E.W. member Jeffory Williams.

For is Darryl West, it's a day to put his feet up and think back on the work that he has done.

“It's very nice to have a three day weekend, it sure is. Construction work is good work. I enjoy putting up buildings and seeing my work when I am finished,” said West.

The holiday is also a reminder for people without jobs because nearly 10 percent of Americans are unemployed.

“I worked for AT&T for nine years and I was laid off in December of 2009,” said Marie Williams.

Williams has been looking for work for nine months and while most people are happy with their paid day off, she just wants an opportunity to work.

“Making ends meet is tough. Unemployment only pays a certain amount so it's really not enough to cover my monthly expenses. So I filled out numbers I mean tons and tons of applications, but... Nothing,” said Williams.

She says she is still very hopeful that she will be able to find another job in Albany and next year she'll be able to use the holiday to celebrate the fruits of her labor.

To help unemployed Americans like Marie, the U.S. Department of Labor launched a new website to help folks find job opportunities. Myskillsmyfuture.org is a search engine that lets seekers search for jobs based on their previous experience.