As we get ready to celebrate Labor Day 2012, I am contemplating how many people actually know what Labor Day is all about. Why do we celebrate Labor Day and how long has America been celebrating Labor Day? Where did the idea come from?
In America Labor Day has been celebrated since the first Parade followed by a picnic with speeches was celebrated on September 5, 1882 in New York City by 10,000 workers. Oregon was the first State to make it a State holiday in 1887 and it became a Federal Holiday in 1894, at this time 30 States were already celebrating every year. Labor Day is always celebrated on the first Monday in September. Labor Day is intended to celebrate the economic and social contributions of workers and was brought to the United States after labor leaders attended the Annual Labor festival in Toronto, Canada.
What does Labor day mean to us today?
- We still celebrate Americas hard work with parades and celebrations
- 2nd largest retail sales day of the year
- End of Summer celebration (some feel it is the last day to fashionably wear white)
- Start of NFL & College football
Happy Labor Day 2012 from the Premier Family!