Q: What is Labor Day?
A: Labor Day is a federal holiday that observes workers or laborers and takes place on the first Monday of September, although the very first celebration of Labor Day was held on a Tuesday. Many communities have a parade or other festivities in honor of working men and women. The holiday often symbolizes the end of summer even though the school year in
Iowastarts before Labor Day weekend.
Q: How did Labor Day come about?
A: Labor Day was first celebrated in
New York Cityon Tuesday, September 5, 1882, after the Central Labor Union came up with the idea and planned a demonstration and a picnic for that day. The Central Labor Union wanted the holiday to break up the long length of time without a holiday between Independence Day and Thanksgiving. Back then, many workers worked 12-hour days, seven days a week to provide for their families. In the years immediately following, workers took the day off un-paid in protest. In 1894, Pullman Palace Car Company workers inChicagowent on strike. After that happened, President Grover Cleveland dispatched troops to break up the strike. The strike was broken, but the statement had been made. Congress soon 1894 passed legislation designating the first Monday in September as a federal holiday for workers, and President Cleveland signed the bill into law. Congress asserted that by honoring labor with a holiday that the nobility of labor would forever be maintained. Americans should reflect this Labor Day on the contribution to our lives, our economy, our country and our quality of living that is made possible by the today’s laborers.