Labor Day – The End Of The Summer
We do not consider Labor Day as A Patriotic Holiday
Because Labor Day is a Federal Holiday, which embraces a patriotic theme and signals the end of Summer. In the United States we have always celebrated Labor Day on the first Monday in September. It’s to honor and recognize the American laborers for the works and contributions to the development and achievements to society for the United States and Canada. Several other Countries also honor their labor force, however, it is on May Day or the first of May.
Why do we have Labor Day?
The Current Workers of American
What’s the history behind Labor Day?
Peter J. McGuire
Why do you not wear white after Labor Day?
10 True Facts About Labor Day in America
The Labor Day holiday grew out of the late 19th century organized labor movement. It quickly became a national holiday as the labor movement assumed a prominent role in American society. Here’s how it all started. With the facts supplied by the Labor Department, the Library Of Congress, and other sources.
1. In 1882 the idea of Labor Day first became public.
In September 1882, the unions of New York City decided to have a parade to celebrate their members being in unions, and to show support for all unions. To attend the parade workers had to give up a day’s pay. This was not a deterrent, because at least 20,000 people attended the parade. Lots of Beer was involved in the event it was reported.
2. Other unions were inspired by the New York parade.
By 1887 other regions of the USA started having parades. Including; Oregon, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and Colorado made Labor Day a state holiday.
3. Do you know how the Haymarket Affair influence Labor Day?
On May 4, 1886, a bomb exploded at a union rally in Chicago’s Haymarket Square, which led to violence that killed seven police officers and four others. The incident led to May 1 being celebrated in some nations as Workers Day. The U.S. decided on Labor Day as the holiday name.
4. Two men with similar names are credited with the first NY. City event.
Linked to the 1882 parade were Matthew Maguire, a machinist, and Peter McGuire, a carpenter. The men were from rival unions. The similar sounding names could have been the major factor for the confusion of people.
5. President Grover Cleveland helped make Labor Day a national holiday.
After violence related to the Pullman railroad strike, President Cleveland and lawmakers in Washington wanted a federal holiday to celebrate labor – and not a holiday celebrated on May 1. Cleveland signed an act in 1894 establishing the federal holiday; most states had already passed laws establishing a Labor Day holiday by that point. Sen. James Henderson Kyle of South Dakota introduced S. 730 to make Labor Day a federal legal holiday on the first Monday of September signed June 28, 1894.
6. Labor Day has evolved over the years.
In the late 19th century, celebrations focused on parades in urban areas. Now the holiday is a celebration that honors organized labor with fewer parades, and more activities. Marking the end of the summer.
7. Can you wear white after Labor Day?
This old tradition goes back to the late Victorian era. It was a fashion faux pas to wear any white clothing after the summer. Summer officially ended on Labor Day. Today we don’t follow this tradition. EmilyPost.com explains the logic behind the fashion trend – white indicated you were still in vacation mode at your summer cottage.
8. Labor Day is the unofficial end of Hot Dog Eating Completion season.
The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council says that between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Americans will eat 7 billion hot dogs. The Council estimates Americans consume 20 billion hot dogs a year. That works out to about 70 hot dogs per person each year. 95% of homes in the US eat hot dogs.
9. How many people are union members today?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 14.8 million union members in the workforce in 2017. There were 17.7 million in 1983.
10. What is the biggest union today?
The National Education Association has about 3 million people who are members, including inactive and lifetime members. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) is the country’s largest union for public service employees. 1.6 million members of nurses, child-care workers, EMTs, correction officers, sanitation workers and more.