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Union
Origins:
Labor Day originated from the power and visibility of labor unions. The Central Labor
Union first organized the holiday with a celebration in New York City on September 12,
1882. The celebration served two purposes: to give workers a day off for their diligent
work, and to publicize the power of American workers and labor unions.
The Central Labor Union had greater aspirations for Labor Day than a
single celebration. Their goal was to make a Labor Day an enduring holiday that was of
equal significance to other established holidays. They repeated the celebration on the
same date in 1883. In 1884 they changed date to be on the first Monday of September,
which set a precedent for years to come.
State Popularity:
Labor Day gained increasing popularity at the state level over the following years. On
February 21, 1887, Oregon became the first state to make Labor Day a legal holiday.
Several states followed Oregon’s example making Labor Day an official holiday over
the next few years.
A Federal Holiday:
On June 28, 1894, Labor Day achieved the level of notoriety desired by the Central Labor
Union as it became a federal holiday. The celebration of the American worker was secured.
It was clear that the nation understood how integral the contribution of the American
workforce was to the country.
What Labor Day Was Meant To Be:
Labor Day has always been enjoyed as a well deserved day of rest, but its celebration has
changed somewhat from its early days. It was originally celebrated with parades and
eventually speeches. Parades and speeches may still be found on Labor Day, but the focus
of the day has evolved to favor the purpose of enjoying some time off from work.
What Labor Day Has Become:
Today the Labor Day holiday has become a quest for many to find activities that allow
them to play as hard as they work. With the understanding that the Monday holiday will
bring an extended weekend, Labor Day is seen as a rare opportunity to enjoy some free
time. This is a busy travel time as people attempt to get away for the weekend. Many
people take use the holiday for camping trips, barbeques, picnics, and for enjoying
sports events. At the other end of the spectrum are those who simply want to raise their
feet and a glass to enjoy for a relaxing holiday leisure retreat.
Although Labor Day is a day to honor workers, it has understandably
become more of a day to enjoy time with family and friends. Children especially see this
holiday as a high priority opportunity enjoy what is left of summer before school starts
up again. In a way, Labor Day is the last federally sanctioned summer vacation day. Labor
Day gives everyone an opportunity to find some fun before heading back to work
again.
Enjoy it While You Can:
On Labor Day most people don’t want to think about work. It is a holiday to honor
workers and all that they do, but by clock-out time on Friday, work becomes the last
thing on anyone’s mind. Oddly enough, it seems that Labor Day has given America the
opportunity to forget about work—and even more strangely, that seems to be just
what everyone needs. Enjoy Labor Day and have fun while you can, because come Tuesday
morning the work all starts again.
- Article by Wes Fessler
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Sources:
1. U.S. Department of Labor, “The History of Labor Day”
http://www.dol.gov/opa/aboutdol/laborday.htm [Accessed 1 July 2007]
2. wikipedia, “Labor Day (United States)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_Day_(United _States) [Accessed 1 July 2007]
3. American Family Traditions, “Labor Day”
http://www.americanfamilytraditions.com/labor-day.htm [Accessed 1 July 2007]
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