Today we celebrate Labor Day. It is a national holiday and most of us probably don’t even know why we celebrate it!
President Grover Cleveland signed a bill into law on June 28, 1894, declaring Labor Day a national holiday. Some historians say he was afraid of losing the support of working-class voters.
Labor Day honors the American labor movement and the contributions that workers have made to prosperity, labor laws and well-being of the country. Labor unions are responsible for giving us the 8 hour work day, fair wages, child labor laws, paid time off from work and are credited with creating the middle class.
Labor Day is also considered the unofficial ending of summer. Way back when, most schools didn’t start until after Labor Day so it was seen as the last hurrah before returning to school.
Of course, not everyone gets Labor Day off even though it is a national holiday. Medical personnel, police officers, firefighters, and retail workers will be working harder than ever today. Show them some love and be a little extra kind should you come into contact with any of these working people today.
I am a member of a labor union and am happy to celebrate the many accomplishments labor has brought us today. I don’t have any specific plans at this point. I may go see a movie or just lounge around the house and maybe Netflix and chill. Whatever I do, I’ll remember to thank those who fought and struggled so that the common worker could have a good, prosperous life.
Enjoy!
How will you be celebrating Labor Day? Share in the comments.
