The Origins of Labor Day

Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday in September. It is a day to honor the contributions of workers to the country's economy and well-being. I enjoy and appreciate Labor Day as much as the next person, but I didn't know how it started......so here you go.

The origins of Labor Day date back to the late 19th century, when labor unions began to advocate for a holiday to recognize the working class. In 1882, the Central Labor Union of New York City organized the first Labor Day parade, which was attended by thousands of workers. The parade was a success, and other cities soon followed suit.

In 1894, Congress passed a law making Labor Day a federal holiday. The law was signed by President Grover Cleveland, who said that Labor Day was "a fitting recognition of the contributions made by wage earners to the prosperity and well-being of the nation."

Today, Labor Day is still celebrated as a day to honor workers and their contributions. It is a time for people to reflect on the importance of labor and to enjoy a day of rest and relaxation.

Here are some fun facts about Labor Day:

• Oregon was the first state to declare Labor Day an official holiday, in 1887.

• Labor Day is considered the unofficial end of summer.

• Many people celebrate Labor Day with barbecues, picnics, and other outdoor activities.

• The NFL traditionally kicks off its regular season on the Thursday after Labor Day.

Labor Day is a day to celebrate the hard work and dedication of all workers. It is a time to reflect on the progress that has been made in the fight for workers' rights, and to recommit ourselves to the struggle for a more just and equitable society.