Most of us have this federal holiday off, but do you know the meaning behind it? According to the United States Department of Labor “Labor Day, the First Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers.”
This day has been observed for more than 100 years, beginning on Tuesday, September 5, 1882 in New York City. The first Monday in September was chosen for the holiday by the Central Labor Union as they urged similar organizations in other cities to follow in their footsteps in celebrating a “workingmen’s holiday”. But this holiday wasn’t passed into legislation, by only 23 states at the time, until 1894 when Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.
So what does this day mean to you? Yes it is a day off of work where you can enjoy the end of summer, if you’re in cooler climates, or maybe an excuse to lay low and do nothing all day, but maybe this Monday should be about the work you contribute on a daily basis. Whether you’re a student, working professional, in the military, stay-at-home parent, or unemployed, this holiday is to celebrate what you contribute to the country and businesses that surround you.
So whether you’re attending the local parade, or catching up on work, even though that’s missing the point(!) take a moment to remember that because of those that have “labored” before us we have a day to celebrate our daily tasks and hard work.
Happy (early) Labor Day all!
– By J. Mason
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