In just a few days we will celebrate a fun national holiday - Labor Day! But just when is it, what is it, and how do we celebrate it? Let’s find out!
A Brief History
Labor Day is an annual celebration that recognizes the contributions of the working class and to honor how hard they work to help our country grow and prosper. It is celebrated each year on the first Monday in September and is a national federal holiday in the United States and Canada, which means most people have the day off of work. And, since it always falls on a Monday, it means most people get to celebrate with a three day weekend!
 Credit: https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history |
Labor Day was first observed in 1882, during a time when many Americans worked long days in harsh and unsafe work environments for little money. These workers joined together to create unions, which were organized groups created to speak out for the rights of all members. On September 5, 1882, union workers in New York City took an unpaid day off of work to protest the poor working conditions. Afterward, many of the workers stayed behind to eat and enjoy the day off of work with their families -- and that was the first labor day picnic!
Twelve years later, in 1894, Congress passed an act that made Labor Day a national holiday.
"American labor has raised the nation’s standard of living and contributed to the greatest production the world has ever known and the labor movement has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pays tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership – the American worker." -- "History of Labor Day"
Celebrating Labor Day
Now we know that Labor Day is about more than cookouts and parades. But, what are some fun ways to celebrate this unique holiday with your family?
- Share this or other historical descriptions with your kids. Help them understand the context behind this day/weekend.
- Celebrate "helpers and heroes" by taking thank-you snacks to your local fire department, police station, doctors office, library, etc. Include a note written by your kids to show gratitude for their hard work!
- Find an opportunity to do community service together, to recognize how hard work improves the people and places around you.
- Labor Day is also the unofficial end of summer, so take one last road trip or cool off at your favorite pool or splash pad!
- Invite friends over for a barbecue! Labor Day recognizes hard work, and every hard worker deserves down time with good food and the people they love!
