Labor Day: A Weekend of Relaxation

The school year is quickly heading toward the most relaxing weekend of the first quarter. Often considered the unofficial end of summer, labor day ushers in a conceptual fall season and the changing of color. This first Monday of September, dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American laborers across the country, honors those who have served the United States in continued prosperity through time.

Labor day was founded in the year 1884 under the Central Labor Union, and soon passed by Congress. Although it is unclear who proposed the idea of Labor day, one idea is certain: the idea was quickly enacted and put into place to reserve special support for the American workforce.  Although the holiday was not yet formally recognized, 1882 brought the first ever (though far from last) Labor day. The unofficial holiday was celebrated in New York City under only the Central Labor Union. The second Labor Day holiday under the Central Labor Union occurred a year after the first, on September 5th, 1883.

Today, the character of Labor Day has only changed in the presentation features – the main idea remaining while the world changes around it. The first draft of the holiday even included a parade! The original parade planning, exhibiting the best organizations to the community, soon became a societal indicator for economic and cultural prosperity. By 1909, the holiday extended its festivities across a two day period, by labeling the Sunday before Labor Day as ‘Labor Sunday’- a period of reflection upon the cultural and educational value of the labor force.

This weekend, working as a blackout week for ACP, should serve to represent the labor force that has held the United States up for centuries.