Why Do We Celebrate Labor Day?

For many Americans, Labor Day means two things: a day off from work and the end of summer. But why do we celebrate Labor Day?

A Tribute to the American Worker

Labor Day is a day set aside to pay tribute to working men and women. It has been celebrated as a national holiday in the United States and Canada since 1894.

Labor unions originally celebrated the first Labor Days in the United States as a day for workers to show their solidarity.

Building Solidarity

The labor movement of the late 19th century sought to improve the working conditions, pay, hours of work, and benefits offered to working men and women. The early Labor Day celebrations took the form of organized parades and picnic gatherings to build solidarity among the workers.

The first Labor Day parade occurred Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City. The first state to designate a Labor Day holiday by law was Oregon in 1887, and Congress made the first Monday in September a federal holiday, on June 28, 1894.

Remember the Hard-Working Men and Women of this Country

So this Labor Day, when we take a day off from our labor and enjoy the fading days of summer, don’t forget the hard working men and women of this country who made sure our efforts were recognized.

We wish you a safe and fun Labor Day weekend!