The History of Labor Day: Show Your Patriotism This Holiday

ALEXANDRA YEPEZ, August 27, 2019

Labor Day is one of the United States’ most popular holidays. Many people enjoy a day off from work to celebrate with friends and family, attend Labor Day festivals or simply rest at home. No matter how you celebrate, it’s important to understand the origins of this important holiday.

Once you learn more about the history of Labor Day, you’ll surely want to show off your American pride every year. Here’s a brief history of Labor Day.

The Beginning of Labor Day: How it Started

President Grover Cleveland designated Labor Day as an official federal holiday in 1894. However, it began as an unofficial holiday much earlier. Many people credit a United States union leader named Peter J. McGuire with originating Labor Day.

It was in 1881 that McGuire suggested the idea of a holiday celebrating American workers to the Central Labor Union of New York. Some also believe machinist Matthew Maguire first came up with the idea for Labor Day, though the official origin remains unclear.

Either way, the Knights of Labor sponsored a parade on September 5, 1882, of which both Maguire and McGuire attended. McGuire claimed they chose this date because it’s halfway between two other national holidays: the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving. In 1884, the Knights of Labor decided to make the first Monday in September Labor Day from there on out.

Becoming a Federal Holiday

In 1887, Oregon became the first state to grant Labor Day legal status. That same year, several other states officially established the holiday, including Colorado, New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey. However, state legislation proclaiming Labor Day an official state holiday wasn't enough, as many desired a federal law designation.

The American Federation of Labor (AFL) started to push for Labor Day to be a federal holiday and have a lighter tone than another labor-related day, May Day, which was often filled with protests and radical behavior. The AFL finally experienced success with this goal—officials marked Labor Day a federal holiday in 1894.

Many consider Labor Day to be the “Unofficial End of Summer,” because the summer season ends around this time. Most children start school around this time of year as well.

How to Show Your Patriotic Spirit This Labor Day

The Labor Day of today is one filled with picnics and celebrations. The purpose of the holiday has moved away from its origins as a push for labor reform. Many individuals do still have to work on Labor Day, especially in the retail and hospitality industries, but federal employees, state employees and many non-governmental entity employees have this day off from work.

In keeping with the spirit of the American worker, showing your patriotic spirit on Labor Day is always an appropriate thing to do. Here’s how:

• Visit a Historical Site. If you’re one of those employees off on Labor Day, consider visiting a place of historical significance in your area. There’s no better way to get in the patriotic spirit than by seeing a true piece of American history. Depending on where you live, this might include an American landmark, a national park or an American history museum.
• Go to an Athletic Event. What’s more American than watching football or baseball? Many arenas host sporting events on Labor Day. If your arena is hosting one, purchase tickets for yourself as well as your friends and family. Come dressed in patriotic gear and cheer on your local team.
• Attend a Labor Day Parade with Friends and Family. Appreciate this wonderful American holiday by attending a Labor Day parade while wearing a patriotic outfit. For those who want to spend Labor Day in a day-of-service capacity, volunteer at your local veteran's home and show appreciation for those who have fought for our country.
• Host Your Own Celebration. If you don’t know anyone hosting a Labor Day celebration, consider throwing your own. Show your patriotism by decorating your home with America-themed decorations, including streamers and small American flags. Fire up the grill and throw on some juicy hot dogs and hamburgers. Invite everyone in the neighborhood to enjoy a day of celebration devoted to workers.

Celebrate American Workers

Labor Day is an important part of American history. It marks a point in history at which workers decided to celebrate themselves for all the hard work they do every year. No matter how you choose to spend your Labor Day, take a moment to appreciate this patriotic holiday and all those who have made freedom of labor possible.

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