History of Labor Day

This year Labor Day is Monday, September 5th, so it is right around the corner. I’m sure you are all excited to enjoy your day off. Before you do, let’s take a look at where Labor Day actually came from.

It is still in dispute whether Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, or Matthew Maguire, a machinist, first propose this holiday for workers. It is clear that this idea was developed to honor the achievements of American workers and recognize the impact they make on creating the prosperity and well-being of our country.

Whether McGuire or Maguire first proposed the idea is unclear, but the first official Labor Day was celebrated in New York City in 1882. At that point, it was only in the hands of the Central Labor Union, but soon states passed bills and laws to recognize Labor Day. In 1894, Labor Day became a federal holiday, and now it is celebrated on the first Monday in September every year.

Ultimately the occasion of Labor Day comes back to you and appreciating all your hard work, so take some time and relax this Labor Day because you deserve it!


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