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Labor Day

Family Tradition

Labor Day is the day we honor American Working People. We fly our Flags, observe parades, listen to speeches reviewing Labor's contributions to our society and picnic outdoors. This Holiday generally marks the end of the Summer Season and the start of the school year. 

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History^1,2,3

Labor Day is a Federal Holiday honoring working people; it is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It is celebrated on the first Monday in September throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada. The day is marked by speeches reviewing labor’s contributions to society, along with parades and fine food consumed outdoors. This Holiday marks the end of the Summer and is usually the last big picnic day in the U.S. It also marks the start of a new school year.

Matthew Maguire, a machinist from Paterson, New Jersey, and Peter J. McGuire, a New York City carpenter, are generally considered the Founders of Labor Day. The first Labor Day parade in the U.S. was held in New York City in September 1882. In 1887, Oregon became the first state to make Labor Day a legal holiday. Other states soon followed. President Grover Cleveland signed a bill in 1894 making Labor Day a national holiday after striking workers were killed and their leaders jailed in an incident in Illinois. 

Labor groups in the Canadian cities of Ottawa and Toronto first organized parades and rallies in 1872, ten years before the first Labor Day celebration in the United States. The Canadian Parliament passed legislation making Labour Day an official holiday in 1894.

In Australia, Labor Day is called Eight Hour Day, and it commemorates the successful struggle for a shorter working day. In Europe, Labor Day is observed on May 1. 

Additional Web Sites 

U.S. Department of Labor 
The Public Broadcasting System 
The Holiday Spot  

Credits

Traditions:

Freedom 
1.History
2.Flag
3.Declaration
4.Constitution
5.Bill of Rights
6.American Eagle
7.Ceremonies

Family
1.Weddings
2.Anniversaries
3.Family Meal
4.Window Candle
5.Children 
6.Yellow Ribbon 
7.Values 
8.Flowers 
9.The Recipe Box

American Culture
1.Holidays
2.Craftsmanship
3.Entrepreneurship
4.Leadership
5.Know-How
6.Competition
7.Cost of Living
8.Citizenship
9.Careers

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Last updated January 11, 2009
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