The corner of Mill and Detroit in the City of Monroe has seen quite a bit of history.  During the War of 1812, Americans lost their lives to British soldiers near that corner during the First and Second Battles of the River Raisin. 

A little more than a century later, in 1937, a battle of a different sort raged on Detroit Avenue, pitting a small group of unionized steelworkers against nearly a thousand non-unionized employees in the famous Newton Strike.

So, it seems appropriate that the corner will host another battle of sorts tomorrow.  Barack Obama will arrive in Monroe at that corner in his battle with John McCain for the hearts and souls of Michigan’s working-class voters.

Why Mill and Detroit?  Well, it’s the headquarters of the local chapter of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union.  If Obama is to win Michigan - and he needs it to win the presidency - he will have to convince thousands of union members to back his fight.  He’s hoping to encourage the effort with a Labor Day barbecue.

During my visit tonight to the site, I noticed a buzz of activity.  A logistics company was setting up risers, lighting and a speaker system.

Several union members were enthusiastically setting up a large barbecue grill in preparation.

30 or 40 volunteers were being prepped by campaign staff for their roles in tomorrows festivities.

And a gigantic American flag was draped from roof to ground on the back side of the union hall.

It was a very American scene - active citizens preparing for a presidential candidate visit.  And what a better way to celebrate Labor Day Weekend than with a little bit of labor for the cause.

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