Today is Labor Day. It is a day set aside to honor the working men and women in our country. What a great way to celebrate working people. You have a day when they don't have to work. This is a federally sanctioned day off from the job that has been officially recognized since the late 1800s. In European countries and other parts of the world, May Day celebrations are held. They are all designed to celebrate workers and labor unions. Some people refer to it as an international workers holiday. I wonder if it could also be considered an international day of picnics.
Governmental Recognition
The recognition of Labor Day began small and quickly grew. It began being regularly celebrated in 1882. Local governments began to pass ordinances recognizing Labor day in 1885 and in 1886. Oregon was the first state to officially recognize Labor Day in 1887. The United States Congress passed an act designating the first Monday in September as Labor day on June 28, 1894. I'm sure that Congress was not happy that their member had to actually work that day. It seems many government officials celebrate Labor Day by not working most of the year whether its official or not.
First Labor Day Celebration
According to historians, the first unofficial labor Day celebration was held in New York City on September 5, 1882. The celebration activities consisted of picnics, concerts, and speeches. Approximately 10,000 workers paraded from City Hall to Union Square. It was considered a day to talk about the concerns of workers. A time to discuss providing workers with better wages and working conditions. This was a time before the Jerry Lewis Telethon was also a Labor Day consideration. There are currently some great Labor Day celebrations. It's now difficult to discuss anything other than how to get home in time to get ready for work the next day.
Labor Day Founder
The first person who came up with the idea of having a Labor Day celebration is a controversial topic. There is one group of historians who believe Peter J. McGuire is responsible. He was the general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners. McGuire was also a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor. There is also now a group who believe that a Matthew Maguire of the International Association of Machinists suggested the holiday in 1882. At that time, Maguire held the position of secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. I sometimes wonder if the International Federation of Picnic providers influenced the creation of Labor Day.
Labor Day Shopping
Shopping is now a big part of the Labor Day celebration. Many retailers have their largest sales volume during Labor Day weekend. This sales volume is second only to the day after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday. I suppose a good way to celebrate Labor Day is working and being glad to have a job. Retail workers make up 24 percent of the workforce in the United States. Their industry is usually too busy working to take time off and celebrate Labor Day or any holiday.
Sports
Labor Day is also a weekend when the NFL and college football teams begin their seasons. This means that fantasy football and sports betting are a big part of the Labor Day celebration for many people. The National Hot Rod Association holds their finals for the United States National Drag Race on Labor Day weekend.
Something For Everyone
It does seem that Labor Day has something for everyone. It's a weekend of picnics, sports, shopping, telethons and more. It's also a time to look at all the goods and services we enjoy and appreciate the efforts of individuals responsible for making them possible. From the factory worker to the retail clerk as well as all other workers, our nation couldn't survive without them. I just hope you appreciate all the work I put into bringing this column to you.
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