“Labor Day is seen as a day of rest for many hardworking Americans.”

James P. Hoffa

You have your burgers and hotdogs ready for grilling. Maybe, you have your favorite beer or chilled beverage in your hand to celebrate the hard work of dedicated Americans across the nation.

Labor Day is one of the most patriotic holidays that have grown out of the activities of the America people.

The Labor Day holiday evolved out of the activities of the developing labor movement at the end of the 19th century.  Labor supporters had developed a tradition of holding parades, picnics and other events to rally strikers or to show support for specific labor issues.  In New York, the Central Labor Union was a group made up of members from many labor unions.  Early in 1882, the Central Labor Union decided to hold a parade and picnic as festival in support of labor sometime in September.  By August, a union committee had selected the park and the date – Tuesday, September 5 1882 –for the celebration and the union passed a resolution “that the 5th of September be proclaimed a general holiday for the workingmen in this city.”  The celebration was a huge success and it was resolved to continue the celebration annually. By 1884, the union had selected the first Monday in September as the official holiday and were urging unions in other cities to celebrate a “workingmen’s holiday” on that date.

Labor Day is patriotic because this is when America celebrates the citizens that work to keep this great county moving. We celebrate the Americans that have endless energy and strife to make this country the best it can be. You are the hard working citizens that keep the great American machine moving forward. Today, on this 138th Labor Day we solute you and all the hard work you put in day in and day out.

Until next year, enjoy the grill and chilled beverage. And, know you are appreciated by all Americans.

“A truly American sentiment recognizes the dignity of labor and the fact that honor lies in honest toil.”

Grover Cleveland