The History of Labor Day - U.S. Dept. of Labor
Although Summer as a season doesn’t actually end until later in September, most northern resort areas start closing up shop immediately after Labor Day. These days, many think of Labor Day as merely another holiday, offering a three day respite from working, and signaling the unofficial end of Summer. But historically, Labor Day is so much more than just another 3 day weekend. American workers were and are an integral part of our economic achievements as a nation, a notion first recognized in the late 1800s. Recognition celebrations for working class Americans were originally more local, spurred on by labor activists, and many states officially set aside a special day of recognition before it ever became a national holiday in June of 1884.
As we celebrate this Labor Day, let us remember that it is so much more than just parties, barbeques, and parades – it is a day to recognized the achievements of working Americans of all generations who have played such an important role in our nation’s progress. This article by the U.S. Department of Labor provides a history of early recognition of the American worker, and how Labor Day came to be. Click here to read more.