The History of Labor Day

First Labor Day Parade - NYC, 1882

In the United States and Canada, the holiday is held on the first Monday in September to honor the American worker and the contributions their labor has made to the success, strength, prosperity, and well-being of the nations. In the beginning, labor unions helped promote the day. The first Labor Day parade in the United States was held in New York City on September 5, 1882. 

Matthew Maguire, a machinist, is thought to have introduced the idea of celebrating Labor Day in the U.S. in 1882. At the time, he served as secretary of the Central Labor Union of New York. Oregon became the first state to make it an official public holiday in 1887. It became an official federal holiday in 1894.

Labor Day is seen by many as the end of summer, and this has culturally been accepted. Many stores have Labor Day sales to move out the remaining inventory of summer goods. Traditionally, schools waited until after the Labor Day weekend to start a new year, and some still do. Many of the fall sports also begin their season then. In addition, it's often the last vacation of the year for families. So, here's wishing you a happy Labor Day everyone!

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