Monday Musings ~ September 7, 2026

Welcome to Labor Day 2026 edition, where throughout the US and its territories we will celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of workers. Every first Monday of September we honor the labor and union movements (if you work 40 hours or less a week, you can thank unions) and the role all workers have made to the strength and well-being of the nation. For those who still work, we usually have the day off and usher in the new school year (though most schools have been session for at least a week, many longer). 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.

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. As a long time progressive state on social issues like this, Colorado 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 an official national holiday in 1894. Our friends in Canada also celebrate “Labour Day” on the first Monday in September.

Following the deaths of workers during the Pullman Strike of 1894, Congress unanimously approved legislation making Labor Day a national holiday and it was signed into law by Grover Cleveland shortly after the end of the strike.

Yesterday I provided some help to a friend moving into her new townhome (talk about irony) so today I plan to take it easy today. Wilson has gotten a head start on relaxation and rejuvenation. We both wish you a safe and lovely holiday. Do you have any special plans for today?

Live, love, bark! 🐾