Why exactly do we celebrate Labor Day?
As you’re packing up the car this weekend, heading out to the beach or maybe a country retreat, you may find yourself wondering: why do we celebrate Labor Day? What does it represent? How did we get started on this holiday?
Here at SMW, we love us some long weekends – no matter what the origin. But we recently asked ourselves some of the very same questions, and we simply did not have any answers. So we did some research. And this is what we found – we hope this makes for some enjoyable light reading as you embark on your weekend adventures!
What is Labor Day?
Labor Day is a uniquely American holiday – it celebrates the American worker. This year’s Labor Day – on September 4, 2023 – marks the 129th anniversary of Labor Day being celebrated as a national holiday.
Why do we celebrate Labor Day?
Observed annually on the first Monday in September, Labor Day was an idea borne out of the U.S. labor movement. Labor leaders originally envisioned this annual holiday as a dedication to the social and economic achievements of American workers. This includes recognizing the many contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of the United States.
When was the First Labor Day?
The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City. And on June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday of each September a national holiday.
How do Bostonians pronounce Labor Day?
Layyyba Day.
