History and trivia about Labor Day More than hot dogs and parades
By Alison Elsner For DMHN Labor Day is upon us. Always held on the first Monday in September, the federal holiday means a day off of work or school, maybe a final summer vacation, the launch of fall sports, closure of post offices and picnics, parades and backyard barbecues. Oh, and lots of great sales. The true meaning of this special day has evolved over the past 125 years since
it established, but its unifying theme remains recognition of American workers, with dignity and respect. The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, brought about by the Central Labor Union. The second Labor Day holiday was held just a year later, on September 5, 1883. In 1884, the first Monday in September was permanently selected as the holiday, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations
in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a “workingmen’s holiday” on that date. In 1887, Oregon was the first state of the United States to make it an official public holiday. By the time it became an official federal holiday in 1894, 30 U.S. states officially recognized Labor Day. Like many cultural or societal observances, initial strife and conflict served as catalysts to bringing Labor Day to prominence. Following
the deaths of workers at the hands of United States Army and United States Marshals’ Service during the Pullman Strike of 1894 in Chicago, the United States Congress unanimously voted to approve legislation to make Labor Day a national holiday. President Grover Cleveland signed it into law six days after the end of the strike. President Cleveland supported the creation of the holiday to shore up support among trade unions following the Pullman Strike. Continues on page 6 >>
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