What is Labor Day?

Labor Day in the United States is a public holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September.  It honors American workers who contribute to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.  It is also a federal holiday that marks the unofficial end of summer.  Here are five fun facts about Labor Day for you.

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Fun Facts About Labor Day

1. The first Labor Day was in 1882. Between 10,000 and 20,000 people joined together in New York City to celebrate the union workers. Everyone took the day off from work and attended a parade in their honor. They also listened to speeches about workers' rights, had picnics, and listened to musicians play.

2. By 1887 more regions in the United States held Labor Day celebrations. Oregon, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and Colorado made Labor Day into a state holiday.

 

3. Grover Cleveland was the President who declared Labor Day a federal holiday in 1894. He wanted a holiday to celebrate hard work and labor.

4. There is an argument about who came up with the idea of Labor Day. Some people believe a man named Peter J. McGuire came up with the idea, whereas other people believe it was Matthew MaGuire.

5. Canada held a Labor Day celebration before the United States did. The Canadians held their first Labor Day in 1872 in Toronto, Ontario.

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