Today is Labor Day throughout the US and its territories where we celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of workers. On the first Monday of September we honor the labor and union movements (if you work 40 hours or less a week, you can thank unions for that one) and the role all workers have made to the strength and well-being of the nation. For many of us, we have the day off and usher in the new school year and the start of football season (anyone else bummed at some of yesterday’s upsets…ugh). Many consider Labor Day as the unofficial last weekend of summer with BBQ get-togethers often being a frequent pastime as well as any number of retail sales events. For those of you who are of…ahem…let’s just say a certain age, this is the last day wearing white was considered acceptable until next Easter.
A brief history of Labor Day indicates that as the trade and labor movements began to grow, calls for a day commemorating workers’ contributions were proposed. Colorado has long been progressive on social issues like this and was one of the first five states to enact legislation recognizing Labor Day, with Oregon being first to officially make it a public holiday back in 1887. Labor Day became a national holiday in 1894. Our Canadian friends likewise celebrate “Labour Day” on the first Monday in September.
But it wasn’t all roses and candy. Following deaths of workers during the Pullman Strike of 1894, Congress unanimously approved legislation making Labor Day a national holiday and signed into law by Grover Cleveland shortly after the end of the strike.
Any special plans for today? Whatever you do, be safe and enjoy this last weekend of summer. Before you know it, leaves will start turning colors, Christmas decorations will appear in stores (if they haven’t already-good grief, what’s up with stores putting up decorations before Halloween?? Yes, Costco, I’m talking about you!) and we’ll all be hopping on the stress puppy holiday express. Enjoy your holiday and recall the sacrifices the labor movement made for our benefit.
Live, love, bark! <3
I hope you had a wonderful day. We stayed in and off of the roads due to bumper to bumper tourist traffic.
It was a nice quiet day around the Ranch. Like you, we avoid travel on howlidays. 😉
Happy Labor Day!!
Mom heard that the white after Labor Day no longer applies. BUTT we think that is just wrong. Happy Labor Day!
Your Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
Really? Cause I was wearing the heck out of my white clothes the last two weeks. I am glad to know I don’t have to pack them up for another 9 months. I luv my summer clothes.
Happy Labor Day!
Happy Labor Day…love that picture!
That dog picture cracked me up!
Me too!
I’m not bummed by the football results. My school is a small Division 3 one and won’t start until the middle of September. They only play 8 games and don’t do post season or give out athletic scholarships. Despite that, they’ve produced a couple of famous people. One football coach went on to be US President and another coached a few Super Bowl winners.
Great blog, you did a lot of research!. I just honored Dad’s labor with a big hug & kiss
Going to meet with family late for KFC, cake and ice-cream. We get to celebrate both Labor Day and my mom and dad’s 60th wedding anniversary, which was yesterday!
How fun! Enjoy the celebration and yummy treats.
I’m planning on wearing white after today… I’m just that kind of rebel. Thanks for the history lesson, we were just asking each other how the holiday started.
We’re not controlled by arbitrary fashion rules either. 😉
Happy Labor Day to you!
Back atcha!
Mama is of that age, but she says pffffffft, that’s why winter white was invented…..she is looking forward to sweater weather, and I am already feeling the change…it ‘s making me extra frisky on our walks!
Autumn is our favorite time of year, white clothes or otherwise. 😉
No white after Labor Day…? *gulp*
Love and licks,
Cupcake
On you it looks really good, Cupcake – whether or not it’s after Labor Day.
Happy Labor Day. I’m going to do a little shopping.
Hope you score some big bargains!
Labour Day in South Australia is Monday 3rd October. It’s ok though – your is at the start of September ours is at start of October – different time – same reasons.
Is yours the result of conflict with unions, too?
Not so much conflict – more a celebration of achievements since the eight hour campaign, I think in the 1880s. People today question its relevance and unions are in decline in Australia.
They are in decline here as well. I wish people realized all unions did for workers. 😢
Normal day here in France, but enjoy your holiday x
maybe that food colors we use for easter eggs can solve that problem? Happy Labor Day!