Do You know....


Does anyone know why we celebrate Labor Day?  I didn't know.  Rich didn't know.  We were talking about it the other day and he asked me, "What is Labor Day for anyway?"  I gave an honest answer, "I have no idea."  So of course this got me thinking.  What is Labor Day and when did we start celebrating it.  Well google is your friend--most of the time....sometimes it scares me!--here is what I learned about our three day weekend...



The first Labor Day in the United States was celebrated on September 5, 1882 in New York City.[1] It became a federal holiday in 1894, when, following the deaths of a number of workers at the hands of the U.S. military and U.S. Marshals during the Pullman Strike, President Grover Cleveland put reconciliation with the labor movement as a top political priority. Fearing further conflict, legislation making Labor Day a national holiday was rushed through Congress unanimously and signed into law a mere six days after the end of the strike.[2] The September date was chosen as Cleveland was concerned that aligning an American labor holiday with existing international May Day celebrations would stir up negative emotions linked to the Haymarket Affair.[3] All 50 U.S. states have made Labor Day a state holiday.
The form for the celebration of Labor Day was outlined in the first proposal of the holiday: A street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations," followed by a festival for the workers and their families. This became the pattern for Labor Day celebrations. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civil significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.

So now you know why we celebrate Labor Day and when it all started!  I love the internet!

Now do you also know I have TWO other blogs??  It's true.  I do.  One is for my pictures and the other is my weight loss journey and sharing things I have learned along the way!

MetabolismBlues

PointandShoot


So will you come and visit me there?


Comments

The Drama Mama said…
I didn't know the history of Labor Day either. THanks for teaching me something today. :)
September 6, 2010 at 12:40 PM
Liz Mays said…
I usually just think about it as long weekend before school really kicks in!
September 6, 2010 at 4:39 PM
Emmy said…
I knew very vaguely as to why we celebrate but not totally. And yes your other blogs are great.
September 6, 2010 at 5:09 PM
Mayra said…
I had no idea and you saved me the trip to Google. Then again I don't know some American holidays anyways. =[
September 6, 2010 at 7:08 PM
People Who Know Me Would Say: said…
I knew why we celebrated, but I didn't know it was during Cleveland's administration. Thanks!!
September 7, 2010 at 3:19 AM
mormonhermitmom said…
I thought it was the day you were supposed to work in your yard before the snow flies.
September 7, 2010 at 9:21 AM
Susan Anderson said…
I think I have the Metabolism Blues...

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PS. Thanks for the good info on Labor Day. I knew a little, but not all.
September 8, 2010 at 10:52 PM
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