U.S. Labor Day: Why Celebrate It?
The reasons Americans celebrate the Labor Day
Many people enjoy the weekend of U.S. Labor Day, but do you know the significance of Labor Day and why we American workers celebrate it?
Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States.
Beginning in the late 19th century, as the trade union and labor movements grew, trade unionists proposed that a day be set aside to celebrate labor. “Labor Day” was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, which organized the first parade in New York City.
In 1887, Oregon was the first state of the United States to make it an official public holiday. By the time it became an official federal holiday in 1894, thirty states in the United States officially celebrated Labor Day.
In 1894, Congress passed a bill recognizing the first Monday of September as Labor Day and making it an official federal holiday. President Grover Cleveland signed the bill into law on June 28. The federal law, however, only made it a holiday for federal workers.
As late as the 1930's, unions were encouraging workers to strike to make sure they got the day off. All U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the United States territories have subsequently made Labor Day a statutory holiday.
Picnics and other public gatherings are common practices during Labor Day. Prominent labor leaders frequently make speeches on this holiday. There are numerous events and activities organized in major cities during this time. For example, New York offers the Labor Day Carnival, and fireworks over Coney Island. In Washington, one popular event is the Labor Day Concert at the U.S. Capitol featuring the National Symphony Orchestra with free attendance.
Furthermore, to take advantage of large numbers of potential customers with time to shop, Labor Day has become an important weekend for discounts and allowances by many retailers in the United States, especially for back-to-school sales. Some retailers claim it is one of the largest sale dates of the year, second only to the Christmas season’s Black Friday.
Labor Day is called the “unofficial end of summer” because it marks the end of the cultural summer season. Many take their two-week vacations during the two weeks ending Labor Day weekend. Many fall activities, such as school and sports, begin about this time.
I hope this article gives you an overview about the U.S. Labor Day and why we Americans celebrate it. Labor Day is a holiday that’s worth celebrating for. And yes, we celebrate this day to give honor, praise, and gratitude to the American workers who are the backbone of the American economy.
Thank you for reading. Now, let’s celebrate Labor Day responsibly and safely. If you liked this, check out and share the others below. ‘Til next time. Cheers!
