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, please thank a union member for that benefit) 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 frequently welcome in the new school year along with the beginning of football season this time of year. Labor Day is often thought of as the unofficial end of summer with BBQ get-togethers often being a frequent pastime as well as gobs of retail sales events.
A brief history of Labor Day shows 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. Oregon was the first to officially make it a public holiday back in 1887. Labor Day became a national holiday in the U.S. in 1894. Our Canadian friends also celebrate “Labour Day” on the first Monday in September.
But life in the labor movement wasn’t all roses and candy. After the deaths of workers during the Pullman Strike of 1894, Congress unanimously approved legislation making Labor Day a national holiday. President Grover Cleveland signed the law into effect shortly after the end of the strike to recognize all workers and their efforts and contribution to the nation.
Whatever you do today, please keep all those in the path of Hurricane Dorian in your thoughts and prayers. We are hoping for their safety.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
I had a lazy day! No labor for me.
Good for you! We need a (non) Labor Day at least once a month.
Kali thinks that digging holes in the lawn constitutes “labor” and she should be recognized for her contribution to society instead of being scolded for it.
She’s right!
Too hot outside today for an extended BBQ so I’ll labor over my beer inside. Max is concerned because someone said you can’t wear white after Labor Day.
Sounds like a good plan. Sam says Max can wear whatever he wants. 😊
Happy Labor Day! Love that you posted the history….your blog emanates intelligence!!!
Not so sure about that but I like to share a bit of background info. Growing up in a union family I knew to be grateful for those who came before me. 😍
It is also observed in Canada! Hope you enjoyed it.
It’s a nice way to start out the week with a day off. Happy Labour Day to our northern fur-iends.
I love the picture you chose – what a cutie!! Happy Labor Day!
We are definitely keeping those in the hurricane path in our prayers.
Everyone loves sweet Beagles. 😍 Happy Labor Day.
I always forget what the day is all about from one year to the next, thanks for reminder. Have a very pleasant day off.
It’s good to be reminded of how we got to this point. Happy Labor Day.
Hope your Labor Day is filled with fun!
Thanks, hope yours is too!
It was May day for us…but I’m happy to celebrate the workers of the world on any day!
I worked with the unions for years and appreciate all they have done for ordinary people.
Now, what about a union for dogs…? I have eight potential shop stewards here who are united in their belief that a BBQ would be a good start.
Eight? My goodness, I knew you had a pack, but I think you’ve got the makings for a cricket team! Here’s to the workers of the world…whether they have 2 or 4 legs.
One we chose…..two came when a neighbour complained to their previous owner….another one turned up at the door – and presented us with four more of them!
Sometimes that just happens. What luck for them!
And for us. They are so loving.
Dogs are definitely a two way street. 😊
And a Happy Labo(u)r Day to you and yours, Monika!
I shall be working starting 4 pm but till then am labouring on nothing!
Enjoy the non-labouring. Hopefully there’s a bit of ‘pooling’ involved for you before having to work.
Yay for unions, and for my native state of Oregon!
Oregon has been a leader on progressive on issues like that. Take another bow on their behalf!
A good reminder for all …. Happy Labor Day!
Hope your Labor Day is terrific.
Happy Labor Day, Monika
Thanks, John, right back atcha.
A wonderful recap of the history of Labor Day.
Happy Labor Day, my friend. Scritches to the pups. ♥
Have a terrific day!
Thank you for joining the Awww Mondays Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Awww Monday and week. ♥
Hope today and the rest of the week are terrific for you as well!
A wonderful look at the history of this holiday Monday!
And yes, we should all keep those who are in the path of Hurricane Dorian in our thoughts and prayers. Indeed.
The devastation in the Bahamas is heartbreaking. Thankfully they won’t have to wait for a truculent president/Congress to help once the wind dies down.
Yeah no kidding!
Foreign aid to a member of the Commonwealth?
That’s their good luck, don’t you think? Given how the government feels about Caribbean islands. 😈
it is a little bittersweet to know that the summer is over … and I always have the episode of Serial Mom with wearing white shoes after labor day in my mind LOL Have a good labor day monday..
Today is forecast to be in triple digits so I’m not quite as nostalgic to keep the same ongoing. Luckily that whole white prohibition after Labor Day went out the window. Now only slobbery dogs dictate whether I can wear white these days. 🤣
Thankful that my brother is not affected by this storm insofar as evacuation is concerned; but concerned for all those who are being affected and keeping them in our prayers.
We will too, especially as it moves up the coast. 😍