Labor Day Celebrates The Working Class
Unofficially known as the end of summer, Labor Day is a celebration of the social and economic achievements of the American workforce. Highlighted by a long weekend, the holiday is a tribute to the contributions workers have made to the overall well-being of the United States.
Established over 100 years ago, Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September. Typical celebrations include Bar-B-Q’s, camping trips, and soaking up the end of the summer sun. But long before the holiday became a well deserved day off from work, its foundation was built by the American workforce.
The first “Labor Day” was celebrated in New York on September 5, 1882. After watching labor disputes in Canada during the 1870’s lead to a Trade Union Act and more favorable conditions for unions, American labor leader, Peter J. McGuire, brought the movement and camaraderie across the border from Toronto to New York. Twelve years later, following the 1894 Pullman Strike in Illinois that culminated a nationwide conflict between American unions and railroad workers, President Grover Cleveland made labor his top political priority.
Six days after ordering federal troops to Chicago to end a 3,000 employee strike, President Cleveland and Congress passed legislation with focus on the American workforce. As a result, Labor Day became a federal holiday. Originally outlined as a street parade to exhibit to the public “the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations,” the holiday was a festival for workers and their families. Speeches by prominent leaders followed in ensuing years, as emphasis on the economic and civil significance of the holiday began to grow.
Unfortunately, during the President’s forceful intervention of the railroad strike, there were a number of deaths and injuries among the American workers. President Cleveland would lose his reelection bid for a second term, but out of confrontation came a federal holiday and a newfound respect for the working class. President Cleveland’s hiatus would be short, however, as four years later he was voted back in office, becoming the only U.S. President to serve two non-consecutive terms.
Today, Labor Day, or a variation of the holiday, is celebrated worldwide. In America, it has come to signify the end of summer and the beginning of the school year. But once upon a time its significance shined bright in honor of the American working class. An honor that should be bestowed upon hardworking Americans once again in these tough economic times.
So enjoy the long weekend Mainers, you deserve it. And be sure to remember our forefathers while doing so, who worked hard to give us the liberty of relaxing as we watch summer set its course south.
For more information on the history of Labor Day please visit: http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Labor_Day.shtml.
