Official end of Summer…
Last of the Barbecues…
Closing of most beaches & public pools…
Another opportunity for bargains at a Labor Day Sale…
And, at least from my childhood experience, the dreaded return to school.
But the origins of Labor Day Holiday tells us that it is much more than a Monday off.
With the increasing industrialization after the Civil War came poor working conditions and resulting labor unrest. Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor organized the first Labor Day Parade in New York City in 1882.
In Spring 1886, striking workers were killed by the police at the McCormick Reaper Works. To demonstrate against McCormick, a rally at Haymarket Square was organized. It quickly devolved into violence as bombs detonated and both protestors and policemen were killed.
Labor activists had been pushing for a holiday honoring workers.
And while individual states had various days, it took the tragedy of the Pullman strike to make Labor Day a federal holiday.
So, while you are enjoying your Monday off — at the beach, BBQ or just basking in the last of the Summer sun, you may want to think about the origins of Labor Day….
