Happy US Labor Day

Labor Day is the perfect time to celebrate workers and their leaders! Here are some little-known facts about the holiday that make it extra special.

• Labor Day was first celebrated in 1882, making it one of the oldest national holidays in the United States.
• It was initially known as Decoration Day, a day dedicated to honoring the labor movement and workers who had lost their lives in industrial accidents.
• The US government officially recognized it in 1894 when Congress voted to make it a national holiday.
• The first Labor Day parade was held in New York City on September 5, 1882.
• There is no definitive answer as to who first proposed the holiday. Still, it is credited to either Peter J. McGuire, a labor movement leader, or Matthew Maguire, a machinist and union organizer.
• Labor Day has become known as “the unofficial end of summer” in the United States, marking many people’s last chance to enjoy a weekend at the beach or outdoors before fall begins.
• The Monday of Labor Day Weekend is also a popular time for auto dealerships and retailers to offer discounts and special sales in honor of workers.
• While most countries celebrate International Workers’ Day on May 1st, the official date for US Labor Day is the first Monday in September.
• The traditional Labor Day menu consists of hot dogs and hamburgers, potato salad, chips, and apple pie – all said to represent the hard work put in by labor leaders for their workers’ rights and benefits.
• As a final tribute to the authentic flavor of US Labor Day, its iconic colors are red, white, and blue. Let's celebrate our labors!

Happy Labor Day!

Source: https://www.history.com/holidays/labor-day-facts Accessed 8/30/2020.

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