Do You Know the History of Labor Day?
When most of us think of Labor Day, we think of a three day weekend, barbecues, and hanging out by the pool. The other day I was thinking to myself that I really don't even know how the Labor Day holiday originated and why. Well, if you don't know either, I am here to inform you and it might make you a prouder American citizen.
You probably know that Labor Day is always the first Monday in September. It is a movement dedicated to the hard workers of our country. The United States wouldn't go round and round if it weren't for the hard social and economic achievements made by American workers.
The first recognition for Labor Day was in 1885 and 1886, but not everyone was doing it. A bill was issued for the allowance of Labor Day in the New York legislature, but the first state to pass the bill was good ole Oregon in 1887. Shortly after, four more states followed Oregon's cool ways - Colorado, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts. The dominoes continued to fall from then on, Connecticut, Nebraska and Pennsylvania joined the trend, and by 1984, 23 other states also hopped on the bandwagon.
Congress came to their senses and passed an act making the first Monday in the month of September a national holiday for all. There's a close race on who to credit for creating the Labor Day holiday- Mathew McGuire and Peter McGuire are both acknowledged for the special day off.
Well folks, hope you enjoyed today's history lesson. Have a great, Labor Day weekend!