According to the US Department of Labor,
"Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country." The first Labor Day was celebrated in 1882.
In fact, the first proposal for the holiday was to include organized parades and speeches. Where have the Labor Day parades gone, or are we just waiting for Thanksgiving?
In the absence of parades, festivals or other Labor Day observances, for the 145.8 million employed Americans (62% of population), we are just celebrating the working men and women of the county by taking a day off from work?
So, to many of us, Labor Day is just a 3-day weekend to celebrate the end of summer/back to school, complete with backyard BBQ, family time or some sought-after relaxation time.
I want to point out:
While a majority of Americans are employed, the unemployment rate is continuing to increase by 5.7%, with a total of 8.8 million unemployed persons (as of July, 2008). (Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Another interesting thought: Labor Day used to mark the BEGINNING of the political campaigning...which is interesting, seeing as how this year's campaigning started back a few YEARS ago!
What are you doing to celebrate Labor Day, or just celebrate a day off from work?