September 1, 2020

Why Exactly Do We Celebrate Labor Day?

Image of magnified dictionary page

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and related quarantine, it might feel like the lines are permanently blurring between home and work, day to day – maybe even from one week to the next. But there’s no doubting when the seasons start to change, and we’re getting to that point where summer starts to give way to fall. That means…Labor Day!

We don’t know if schools will open on time this year, but we do know that everyone can use a 3-day weekend. Wouldn’t you agree? We thought so. To that end, we decided to re-run a post giving some interesting background on Labor Day. We hope you enjoy these tidbits – along with some beautiful beach weather!

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 7, 2020 – marks the 126th 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.

Enjoy the long weekend everyone!

Swerling Milton Winnick

If you’ve had a fire, flood or other property loss resulting in an insurance claim, and need a public insurance adjuster in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New England or anywhere in the U.S. or Caribbean, call Swerling Milton Winnick. We are the oldest and largest public adjusting firm in New England, and our team of experts will give you personalized, 24/7 attention to successfully resolve your residential or business insurance claim.
If you’ve had a fire, flood or other property loss resulting in an insurance claim, and need a public insurance adjuster in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New England or anywhere in the U.S. or Caribbean, call Swerling Milton Winnick. We are the oldest and largest public adjusting firm in New England, and our team of experts will give you personalized, 24/7 attention to successfully resolve your residential or business insurance claim.