It was a beautiful December day here in Wisconsin. I thought I would take a long walk before I traveled to join my family for our annual Christmas celebration. As I enjoyed the beautiful winter air, I observed a farmer along my country route.

He was spreading manure on a nearby cornfield as the cows watched him from the fenced in area across the road. I have many friends who are farmers and I could appreciate his work that day.

Since cows don't take a holiday, neither can the farmer. Cows need to be fed and the manure needs to be spread in anticipation of spring crops. There is no day off when you're working with animals.

Professional drivers have the same circumstances. It might not be cows that are being fed, but they are bringing food to people, the same people who have the day off to celebrate Christmas with their families.

If you ask your neighbor to name some occupations where the workers don't get holidays off, you'll probably hear them cite a list of obvious careers. Police officers, fire fighters and doctors come to mind.

What about the county worker who cleans the highways of snow and ice so you can safely travel to your family celebration? What about the truck stop waitress who is there to serve your turkey and stuffing with a smile and a hot cup of coffee? What about the dispatcher who is on-call in case a driver has an emergency?

What about the professional driver who is away from his or her family on Christmas Day? How many of us think about the family members at home who are missing their driver at the dinner table? What about the child who listens for the roar of the diesel engine as it enters the driveway? What about the spouse who wishes for a safe delivery?

Those of us in the trucking industry understand that it's not just farmers (and cows) that don't get a day off. It's most of the professionals who are responsible for feeding, clothing and delivering products to the rest of us. From the driver to the truck stop worker to the highway workers and the law enforcement folks, they're all on duty whether it's a holiday or not.

We understand, but do we show our appreciation?

This column is dedicated to all of you who work during Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, New Years day and your birthday. It's also for those of you who miss your children and grandchildren's birthdays, your anniversary and special events with your loved ones.

It's for those of you who make sacrifices for those of us who can take the day off because of your efforts. For government workers who have legal holidays, for educators who are off for winter break and for the executives who can leave the office and know there are others who will keep it going, we hope you are listening.

Thank you to all of you in the trucking industry who work over the holidays so we could enjoy our families.

Cows don't celebrate Christmas, so farmers can't take the day off. Consumers continue to expect their shelves to be full, pumps to provide gasoline and roads to be cleared. Every time I see a cow (remember, I live in Wisconsin) I will be reminded of your efforts on my behalf.

I only hope your friends and neighbors are as appreciative as well.