The first Monday of every September is dedicated to the men and women who have labored to build this country. Through a time-honored tradition that has its roots in the coordinated efforts of the labor movement of the 1800s, we salute the American worker force.
With an added day to the weekend and the school year starting, Labor Day also signals the official end of summer. Families take one last summer trip and cities hold one last festival for the season.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Labor Day is often spent as a vacation weekend by many families. Most campgrounds on this weekend are packed full. As you celebrate this day, consider and appreciate your hard work and how it has added to the well-being and prosperity of our country. Labor Day and Colorado Jack Popcorn make another terrific combination! Don’t forget to pack your favorite flavors before heading out for the long weekend and use #LaborDay to post on social media.
HISTORY
Labor Day was celebrated for the first time in New York City in 1882. It was originally celebrated on September 5th but was moved to the first Monday in September in 1884. Labor Day started out as a state holiday, getting voted in by individual states. As the day gained popularity, Congress declared Labor Day 1894.
1. Labor Day is much more than just a day off of work. It started with Peter McGuire, who is considered the Father of the Labor Day holiday, according to Purple Trail. He was an Irish-American pioneer unionist who wanted citizens that “labored” all year long be acknowledged and have a day to relax.
2. Oregon was the first state to make Labor Day a holiday. This happened in 1887, five years after the first parade.
3. It was President Grover Cleveland who decided the first Monday of every September would be set aside to celebrate Labor Day. The move came during a railroad strike.
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