Why Do We Celebrate Labor Day?
Labor Day is a national tribute to the hardworking individuals who strive towards prosperity and strength for the United States.
Always the first Monday of every September, Labor Day is dedicated to workers in the United States for their participation in the American workforce.
Legislation for Labor Day
The first state to introduce the legislature was New York, however, the first to make it law was Oregon in 1887. During that same year Colorado, New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts brought the holiday into law. By 1894, 23 more states including Nebraska, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania followed suit. Congress passed legislature making the first Monday in September a Federal holiday.
Labor Days Claim to Fame or So They Say
Over a century after the very first Labor Day demonstration and picnic, there is still some confusion as to who really proposed the holiday.
Some records tout Peter. J. McGuire. Mr. McGuire was a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor and the general secretary for the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners. According to history, it was he who suggested that there be a day to honor those, “Who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold.”
However, Peter McGuire’s claim was challenged with many believing that a machinist by the name of Matthew Maguire not Peter McGuire is responsible for the Labor Day holiday with research supporting the claim. With that being said, it is clear that it was the Central Labor Union that adopted the Labor Day proposal appointing a Labor Day committee to plan a picnic and demonstration.
The First Celebration
The first celebration of Labor Day was on a Tuesday, September 5 in 1883 in New York City in accordance with the Central Labor Unions plans.
In 1884, the first Monday was selected as was originally proposed. The Central Labor Union asked similar organizations to help celebrate a, “Workingmen’s Holiday,” on that day, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Happy Labor Day from Dean Von Music and don’t forget to check out our new merch…it’s all about the people…
