Many people think that Labor Day is just to symbolize the end of summer. Actually we celebrate for a more important reason and to remember the deaths of many who suffered during the strikes of the past fighting for fair wages and fair working conditions.
Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American Workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well being for our country.
The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.
In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, 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. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.
Now that we know the history of Labor Day and why we celebrate it, I must ask you these questions:
Since we no longer value American Labor over saving a buck at Wal-Mart, should we even bother celebrating this holiday anymore?
Many state that unions are no longer necessary in this country. Looking at the events in China, wouldn’t you think that unions are just as important today as they were yesterday, and other countries should look to us as an example on fair wages and safe working environments?
