Sure, you know that Labor Day honors the hard-working citizens of the United States. The three day weekend is spent with friends, outdoors, picnics, relaxing and having fun. But why we celebrate on the first weekend of September may not be quite as well known. As you celebrate this weekend, here are eight facts about Labor Day including what it represents and how it became a three day holiday weekend.
1. Labor Day celebrates the achievements of the American worker as a
result of the labor movement of the 19th century. During the 1800's
labor unions fought to free the American worker of 16-hour workdays and
harmful work environments. The movement helped establish more rights
for employees.
2. The "Father of Labor Day" is an Irish-American pioneer unionist named Peter McGuire. Mr. McGuire wanted citizens that "labored all year long" to be acknowledged and have a day to relax. He also founded the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.
3. The demand for a holiday honoring Americans and their work stemmed
from the long hours put in by workers. At the time, Americans worked 12-16
hour days, seven days a week. Children as young as 5 or 6 years old
worked in factories and mills. This was common during the Industrial
Revolution.
4. Labor Day has been nationally celebrated in the United States since 1894. It is also celebrated by our neighbors in Canada.
5. Labor Day was chosen for the first week of September because the time is between the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving..two other American holidays.
6. President Grover Cleveland, under political pressure during a railroad strike, decided the first Monday of every September would be set aside to celebrate Labor Day.
7. The first Labor Day parade held in the United States was September 5, 1882 in New York City.
8. The 8-hour work day was not established until 1916 with the passage of the Adamson Act. This Act was the first federal law regulating hours of workers in private companies.
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