Contents
- US Presidents who have signed the law making Labor Day a national holiday-
- The history of Labor Day in the United States-
- The meaning of Labor Day and why it is celebrated-
- The different ways that people celebrate Labor Day around the country-
- The importance of labor unions and the role they have played in the US over the years-
- The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Labor Day celebrations in 2020-
- How to celebrate Labor Day if you can’t take the day off from work-
- 10 fun facts about Labor Day-
- 5 Labor Day recipes to try this year-
- The best Labor Day sales and deals to take advantage of this year
It’s Labor Day weekend, and that means it’s time to celebrate the working men and women of America! But do you know how this holiday came to be? It all started with US President Grover Cleveland, who signed the law making Labor Day a national holiday in 1894.
So, this weekend, take a moment to think about all the hardworking people in your life, and give a big thanks to President Cleveland for giving us this special day off!
Checkout this video:
US Presidents who have signed the law making Labor Day a national holiday-
In the United States, Labor Day is a public holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September. It honors the American labor movement and the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, laws, and social fabric of the country. The holiday is also a way to recognize the role of workers in society.
The first Labor Day parade was held on September 5, 1882, in New York City, organized by trade union leader Peter J. McGuire. In 1884, the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday after McGuire successfully lobbied Congress to pass legislation making it a national holiday. By 1893, 27 states had passed legislation making Labor Day a state holiday.
US Presidents who have signed the law making Labor Day a national holiday:
-President Grover Cleveland signed it into law in 1894
-President William McKinley signed an act of Congress making it a federal holiday in 1896
The history of Labor Day in the United States-
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 first Labor Day parade on September 5, 1882.
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.
The first state to legalize Labor Day as an annual holiday was Oregon in 1887. By the time it became a federal holiday in 1894, thirty states officially recognized it.
Labor Day is now observed in all fifty states, Puerto Rico and Washington D.C. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of American workers and to honor the labor movement.
The meaning of Labor Day and why it is celebrated-
In the late 19th century, as America celebrated its growing industrial might, a labor movement was also taking shape. By the 1880s, annual protests by workers seeking better conditions and fairer wages had caught the public imagination, and in 1894 Congress passed a law making Labor Day a national holiday.
So who signed the bill making Labor Day a national holiday? That would be President Grover Cleveland, who approved it just six days after the end of one of the most tumultuous periods in American labor history: the Pullman Strike of 1894.
The different ways that people celebrate Labor Day around the country-
Labor day is celebrated in many different ways around the United States. Each state has its own way of celebrating the work that Americans do. Here are some of the different ways that people celebrate Labor Day around the country:
In New York, the main event is the West Indian Day Parade. This parade celebrates the cultures of Caribbean countries and is one of the largest street festivals in all of New York City.
In Boston, there is a large festival called the Boston Beanpot. This festival features a variety of different activities, including a bean-eating contest, a race up Boston’s iconic Beacon Hill, and a pottery-making competition.
In Chicago, there is a Labor Day parade down State Street. This parade has been held every year since 1887 and features floats, bands, and other performers.
In Los Angeles, there is a free concert at the Hollywood Bowl. This concert features some of the biggest names in music and is a great way to spend Labor Day weekend.
The importance of labor unions and the role they have played in the US over the years-
Labor Day is a national holiday in the United States that honors the achievements of American workers. It is always celebrated on the first Monday in September.
The holiday was first proposed by labor unions in the late 19th century as a way to celebrate the progress made by workers in achieving better working conditions and pay. It was not until 1894 that President Grover Cleveland signed the law making Labor Day a national holiday.
Today, Labor Day is widely seen as the end of summer and often coincides with back-to-school shopping sales. For many Americans, it is also a time to enjoy outdoor activities like picnics and barbecues.
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way many Americans will celebrate Labor Day this year. Large public gatherings and events have been cancelled or postponed in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus, and many people are opting to spend the holiday weekend at home with family or friends.
Even though the holiday may look different this year, it’s still an important time to reflect on the accomplishments of workers and the labor movement. This year also marks the 125th anniversary of Labor Day as a national holiday in the United States.
So, which US President signed the law making Labor Day a national holiday? The answer is Grover Cleveland.
Labor Day was originally created to honor the work of trade union members and other laborers. It was first celebrated on September 5, 1882, in New York City. In 1884, Cleveland signed a bill making it a national holiday, and it has been celebrated on the first Monday in September ever since.
While most Americans will be spending a more low-key Labor Day weekend this year, it’s still an important time to remember and appreciate all that workers have done for our country.
How to celebrate Labor Day if you can’t take the day off from work-
The first Monday in September is Labor Day in the United States. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of workers and labor unions. Many people have the day off from work, but not everyone. If you can’t take the day off, here are some ways to celebrate Labor Day.
-Listen to labor songs: There are many songs about workers and their rights. Play them at your workplace or at home.
-Educate yourself and others about worker’s rights: Take some time to learn about the history of worker’s rights in the United States and around the world. Share what you learn with others.
-Celebrate union members: If you are a member of a union, or know someone who is, celebrate the contributions unions have made to workers’ rights.
-Volunteer: Spend some time volunteering for a local organization that helps workers, such as a food bank or shelter.
10 fun facts about Labor Day-
With summer winding down and the kids headed back to school, many Americans will celebrate Labor Day with barbecues, picnics and family gatherings. Here are 10 fun facts about the U.S. holiday honoring workers.
1. The first Labor Day was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City.
2. The idea for a “workingmen’s holiday” was proposed by labor activist Peter J. McGuire at a meeting of the Central Labor Union in 1882.
3. McGuire was also co-founder of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.
4. In May 1884, the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday and it became a federal holiday in 1894 after President Grover Cleveland signed into law a bill passed by Congress.
5. More than 10 million workers were members of labor unions in 1894, representing about 20 percent of all wage earners in the United States at that time, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
6 . That number has declined over the years, with BLS data showing that only about 14 million American workers belonged to unions in 2019 -– down from a peak of about 17 million in 1983 but still representing more than one in ten wage earners nationwide.
7 . Unions are stronger in some states than others –- New York, Hawaii and Alaska had the highest union membership rates last year (each above 20 percent), while Mississippi had the lowest (3 percent). New York also had the largest number of union members (2 million), followed by California (1.6 million) and Illinois (870,000). Among major industrial states, Michigan had 690,000 union members last year while Ohio had 640,000 and Pennsylvania had 610,000.. nationwide were teachers (1.7 million), followed by government workers (1.4 million) and then health care professionals (1 milliion). Last year, manufacturing jobs continued to decline as a share of total employment nationwide but there were still more than 12 million manufacturing workers in the United States –- about 8 percent of all wage and salary jobs.. About half of all union members last year belonged to just four unions -– the National Education Association , Service Employees International Union , American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees , Teamsters –- according to BLS data.. The first Monday in September has been set aside as a national holiday honoring workers since 1894 but it wasn’t always called Labor Day… Prior to that it was known as Decoration Day –- set aside for citizens to decorate the gravesites of soldiers who had perished during America’s wars . That tradition began following the Civil War when flowers were placed on soldiers’ graves at Arlington National Cemetery.. After World War I , Decoration Day gradually morphed into Memorial Day -– which is now observed on the last Monday in May –- while Labor Day became its own distinct holiday honoring America’s workers.. For many years , it has been customary for American presidents to deliver “Labor Day” speeches on occasion , praising organizing efforts by unions and calling for improvements in pay and working conditions for employees around the country..
5 Labor Day recipes to try this year-
5 recipes to try this year for Labor day:
-old family recipe for hamburgers
– tweaked grandmother’s secret BBQ sauce
– Grilled corn on the cob with chili lime butter
– Grilled peaches with honey mascarpone
– Chocolate chip cookies
The best Labor Day sales and deals to take advantage of this year
As one of the final summer holidays, Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to take advantage of some great deals on seasonal items. And with many retailers offering extended sales and discounts on everything from clothing to appliances, there are plenty of ways to save.
Here are some of the best Labor Day sales and deals to take advantage of this year:
* Target is offering discounts on furniture, patio items, and home decor, with an extra 10% off for Target REDcard holders.
* Macy’s is running a “Labor Day Sale” with discounts on clothing, shoes, handbags, and more. Plus, Macy’s cardholders can save an extra 20% off with code “LABORDAY.”
* Best Buy is offering up to 40% off major appliances and up to $100 off select Smart TVs. Plus, save an additional $100 when you buy two or more major appliances totaling $999 or more.
* JCPenney is offering savings on apparel, shoes, accessories, and home items during its “Labor Day Sale.” Plus, JCPenney cardholders can get an extra 25% off with code “4YOUSAVE.”
* Kohl’s is running a “Labor Day Sale” with discounts on clothing, shoes, home items, and more. Plus, Kohl’s cardholders can save an additional 30% off with code “LABORDAY30.”
* Samsung is offering discounts on TVs, laptops, phones, and other electronics during its “Labor Day Sale.” Plus, save an additional 10% off select items when you use code “LABORDAY10” at checkout.