Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Labor Day—How It Came About—What it Means


Labor Day Parade in New York
Labor Day Parade, Union Square, New York, 1882 - Wikipedia

Labor Day is a United States Federal holiday, observed on the first Monday in September. The holiday orginated in 1882 as a Central Labor Union of New York City sought to create "a day off for the working citizens". Congress made Labor Day a federal holiday on June 28, 1894. This came about two months after the May Day Riots of 1894. All 50 states have made Labor Day a state holiday. Traditionally, Labor Day is celebrated by most Americans as a symbolic end of summer.

Labor Day has been celebrated on the first Monday in September in the United States since the 1880's. The celebration was outlined in the first proposal of the holiday, a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organization," followed by a festival for the workers and their families.

Records show the first labor day was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City. Today, Labor Day is often regarded as a day of rest and parades, picnics, BBQ's, firework displays and different public events. I know our town goes all out for this day. Some schools may have already started their fall schedules.

The vital force of labor has added materially to the highest standard of living, therefore, the nation should pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership==the American worker.

We will be celebrating this day this year on the first Monday, which is September 7th, 2009. I hope my good friends celebrate with much fun and be safe in whatever you do.

12 comments:

Gledwood said...

I had heard of an event called Labor Day but until I read that had no idea what it was really about...

PS: we would spell it "labour" over here ..!!

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

I never knew why the Americans celebrated Labour Day, so thanks for yet another interesting write.
Have a good day.

Yvonne.

Hootin Anni said...

It's always a day to sit down and reflect of what we've done over the last few months.

Loved your history Margaret.

Linda said...

Margaret,
You always bring the most interesting stories. I'm glad to have this history on Labor Day and wishing you and your family, a wonderful celebration.

Linda

Joanna Jenkins said...

Thanks for the info Margaret, I love learning new things on your blog.

I hope your summer is going well. I'm just back from vacation and trying to catch up!

xo

A New Beginning said...

Hey Margaret!!Thanks for such an informative post :)Have a great week ahead!

Judy said...

I did not know it was originally celebrated on Tuesday. Very interesting and informative post as are all your posts. Thanks for the info. I always learn something new over here.

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Hi Margaret,
Thank you for your kinds words about my cards. I so love making them! I also love hunting for treasures.
I enjoy learning from you! I also read the Bubble Gum post!!! Thanks for all the great information.
Warmly,
Deb :)

Patty said...

I use to dread this holiday, because at one time, school always started the day after Labor day. Swimming pools closed, we knew the end of summer was near, and soon it would be winter. Then after our kids started getting older, we would have a family cook out, the last for the year. To me it was always kind of a sad time. But that's just me. Hope you guys have a safe day no matter what you do.

Chubskulit Rose said...

Thanks for sharing the info.. Labor day in the Philippines and Korea is May 1st.

Have a great weekendMs. margaret!

Merle said...

Dear Margaret ~~ Interesting post again, thanks
for educating us. Thanks also for your comments and I am glad you liked the old photo of my Mum and her 3 kids. Jack's father was in the WW1 and
was gassed in France and got TB and passed it on to Jack. There was always the fear that either Peter and I would get it, but Jack was kept away from us once he got it.
Have a great week Margaret. Take care,Love,Merle.

Katiez Furry Mewz said...

Great history. Didn't know that Labor Day started as a Labor Union holiday, although that does make sense.

I'm going to put you in my blog list soh I can keep up with these great storiez!

Katie Kat

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