Memorial Day usually heralds the beginning of summer, while Labor Day has long been connected with the end of the season. Usually falling on the first Monday of September, this federal holiday Labor Day is often connected by many with a long weekend and the chance to throw a BBQ on their lawn or visit the beach. Still, the holiday was designed to celebrate the social and financial achievements of American laborers.
Although it was celebrated for several years before, Labor Day is a national holiday recognized in the United States since 1894. On September 5, 1882, 10,000 employees paid unpaid leave and marched through the streets to emphasize the strength of trade and labor organizations on New York City's inaugural Labor Day. Union leaders planned the festival, which also included entertainment, talks, picnics, fireworks. Labor Day quickly evolved into a local event spreading throughout the country.
These national Labor Day celebrations fit America's larger labor movement after the Civil War. With too long days, unsafe workplaces, and the employment of child labor, the working conditions during that era were appalling. Labor organizers promoted national holidays honoring workers as well as reforms in these spheres.
Leaders of labor unions cannot agree on the holiday's marking date. While some argued for maintaining the September date, others favored May 1st to honor the sad Haymarket Affaire, which took place in Chicago on May 4, 1886. The political establishment was dubious of the May date as socialist and communist organizations were planning it and it was becoming more and more well-known all around. Conservative President Grover Cleveland so publicly supported the less radical September date. Though it is still commemorated all throughout the world, (International Workers' Day, commonly known as "May Day," has never been very popular in America.)
President Cleveland enacted legislation declaring the first Monday in September a national holiday on June 28, 1894. But this law just proclaimed Labor Day to be a holiday for government workers. For many years to come, unions battled for an official holiday for all workers. Nowadays, Labor Day is a statutory holiday observed in every 50 state, Washington, D.C., and every US territory.
Related : Why do we celebrate National Radio Day?
American labor unions have collapsed, and so has their connection with Labor Day. Less often occurring parades and other traditional worker festivities are the long weekend, which now represents the unofficial end of summer and the start of fall sports. Still, it's important to take into account the long history of American workers—especially those who advocated 8-hour work days, weekends, and workplace safety rules. If you are lucky enough to enjoy a long Labor Day weekend this year, consider the American worker who has made such significant contributions to the economic viability of our nation.
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Anonymous
Memorial Day usually heralds the beginning of summer, while Labor Day has long been connected with the end of the season. Usually falling on the first Monday of September, this federal holiday Labor Day is often connected by many with a long weekend and the chance to throw a BBQ on their lawn or visit the beach. Still, the holiday was designed to celebrate the social and financial achievements of American laborers.
Although it was celebrated for several years before, Labor Day is a national holiday recognized in the United States since 1894. On September 5, 1882, 10,000 employees paid unpaid leave and marched through the streets to emphasize the strength of trade and labor organizations on New York City's inaugural Labor Day. Union leaders planned the festival, which also included entertainment, talks, picnics, fireworks. Labor Day quickly evolved into a local event spreading throughout the country.
These national Labor Day celebrations fit America's larger labor movement after the Civil War. With too long days, unsafe workplaces, and the employment of child labor, the working conditions during that era were appalling. Labor organizers promoted national holidays honoring workers as well as reforms in these spheres.
Leaders of labor unions cannot agree on the holiday's marking date. While some argued for maintaining the September date, others favored May 1st to honor the sad Haymarket Affaire, which took place in Chicago on May 4, 1886. The political establishment was dubious of the May date as socialist and communist organizations were planning it and it was becoming more and more well-known all around. Conservative President Grover Cleveland so publicly supported the less radical September date. Though it is still commemorated all throughout the world, (International Workers' Day, commonly known as "May Day," has never been very popular in America.)
President Cleveland enacted legislation declaring the first Monday in September a national holiday on June 28, 1894. But this law just proclaimed Labor Day to be a holiday for government workers. For many years to come, unions battled for an official holiday for all workers. Nowadays, Labor Day is a statutory holiday observed in every 50 state, Washington, D.C., and every US territory.
Related : Why do we celebrate National Radio Day?
American labor unions have collapsed, and so has their connection with Labor Day. Less often occurring parades and other traditional worker festivities are the long weekend, which now represents the unofficial end of summer and the start of fall sports. Still, it's important to take into account the long history of American workers—especially those who advocated 8-hour work days, weekends, and workplace safety rules. If you are lucky enough to enjoy a long Labor Day weekend this year, consider the American worker who has made such significant contributions to the economic viability of our nation.