Labor Day weekend is coming up – a time when families and friends get together to picnic, BBQ and enjoy the time off from work. Labor Day has been celebrated in the United States for over 100 years.
Labor Day History
Labor Day is observed the first Monday in September each year throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. It is the holiday honoring the economic and social achievements of workers.
The first Labor Day holiday in the United States was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882 as a holiday for the Central Labor Union in New York City.
Soon other cities followed suit with holiday of their own and through the next few years several states hate enacted laws to make Labor Day an official state holiday. Oregon was the first, on February 21, 1887, followed by Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York. By 1894 over 30 states created Labor Day holidays to honor the contributions of workers. Following the response from the states, President Grover Cleveland signed a bill to make Labor Day a national holiday.
As the U.S. Department of Labor explains, the Labor Day holiday is celebrated to pay homage to laborers who work hard to support themselves and the United States economy. On Labor Day, workers and labor organizations are honored with speeches, parades and celebrations.
Last Holiday of the Summer
Labor Day is the last major holiday of the summer. Americans often use this holiday to celebrate with an end of summer party, BBQ or trip. Many schools and colleges begin classes on the Tuesday immediately after Labor Day. Therefore families take the opportunity to take their children on one last vacation before the start of the school year.
Parks, swimming pools, beaches, campgrounds and other attractions are very busy on Labor Day weekend as visitors take advantage of the warm weather for one last time before autumn begins.
Labor Day Resources
The United States Government website offers many Labor Day resources. Visit USA.gov where you will find Labor Facts including labor statistics, equal opportunity information, employment law and other interesting facts.
Before planning your Labor Day Weekend trip, read up and learn about beach and water temperatures, BBQ safety tips, and summer health advice. It’s best to be prepared and safe when planning a vacation.
More Labor Day Information
- Recreation.gov – Camping, fishing and picnic information
- Barbeque – Tips for BBQ and grilling
- Labor Day Food – Labor Day menu ideas
- Beaches – Guide to U.S. beaches and parks
- Holidays – Calendar of holiday dates
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