For a lot of people, Labor Day means two things: a day off and the end of summer. But why is it called Labor Day? Labor Day is a day set aside to pay tribute to working men and women. It has been celebrated as a national holiday in the United States and Canada since 1894.
Labor unions themselves celebrated the first labor days in the United States, although there’s some speculation as to exactly who came up with the idea. Most historians credit Peter McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, with the original idea of a day for workers to show their solidarity. Others credit Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J.
The first Labor Day parade occurred Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City. The workers’ unions chose the first Monday in September because it was halfway between Independence Day and Thanksgiving. The idea spread across the country, and some states designated Labor Day as a holiday before the federal holiday was created.
Now that we know the history, why not celebrate? Making a party doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are some cute ideas to celebrate the day in addition to the July 4th Ideas that can be enjoyed on Labor Day as well (see below post)
Getting together with family and friends? Lets barbecue! I love the corn on the cob party favor with the slab of butter-it’s too cute! Here is the link so you can make it yourself.
Here is another neat idea-Take a red and white dishtowel and some pretty blue hydrangeas, arrange and wow-the results are amazing! Enjoy and Best wishes for a Great Labor Day weekend.
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