It is hard to believe that Labor Day is upon us. Weren’t we just saying that about Memorial Day and the 4th of July. Ugh, time goes by so quickly these days. The Days are getting noticeably shorter, mornings have a bit of a chill to them, and kids are heading back to school. But summer does not officially end until Saturday, September 23, 2023. Labor Day, Monday, September 4, 2023, marks the unofficial end of summer. So, let’s get in one last fun weekend of pool parties, BBQ picnics, camping trips, and baseball games before weekends turn into nagging your child to finish their science project or book report before they can go out with friends on Saturday night.
Photo courtesy of farmersalmanac.com
History of Labor Day
The first unofficial Labor Day was in New York City and organized as a parade and picnic honoring strength and dedication of the American workers. The Central Labor Union started this celebration on Tuesday, September 5, 1882.
So Why Do We Celebrate Labor Day on the First Monday in September, Not Tuesday?
The idea of taking a day off to celebrate and honor the hard-working men and women quickly spread throughout the country. Many states passed their own legislation that recognized the “workers’ holiday.”
“It wasn’t until 1894, however, that Congress legalized the holiday following the Pullman Strike, a nationwide railroad boycott that turned fatal and shined a national spotlight on workers’ rights. Amid this massive unrest, Congress sought to make peace with American workers” so they unanimously voted to approve legislation to make Labor Day a national holiday. President Grover Cleveland officially signed it into law on June 28, 1894, six days after the end of the Pullman Strike. Congress, however, marked the official date of the holiday as the first Monday in September. (Ref: thepioneerwoman.com/holidays)
Then and now, Labor Day should be celebrated to show appreciation for the advancements, freedoms, and prosperity our country enjoys, thanks to the hardworking individuals that make up our great nation. Take a moment before the picnic, road trip, or however you celebrate Labor Day, to reflect on the true reason for the holiday.
Photo courtesy of farmersalmanac.com
Have a Safe and Happy Labor Day from all of us at Harvest Porch
