One of our High School students asked us the other day about Labor Day. They were thrilled to have the school holiday, but weren’t exactly sure why they were getting the day off. I promised them I would repost a previous Manner Monday with the history of the holiday…
Labor Day is a National Holiday dating back to 1882 when the first “Labor Day Celebration”, or street parade, took place in New York City as a way to honor the American labor force. In 1894, it became a federal holiday.
Ask your friends and family to share their definition of Labor Day and more than likely they will respond with something similar to, “it’s the official end of summer”; or you may get another popular answer, “it’s the kickoff to Football season”.
Today, it seems as though not too many young people truly understand the concept of labor. As adults, we recognize the true meaning of labor as we work hard to support and provide for our families and ourselves.
What does Labor Day mean to you?
- An extra day to rest and recoup from all of your hard labor?
- The end of summer?
- Football season has begun?
Whatever it means to you… take some time to thank the people in your life that “labored”, or who currently “labor”, to provide for you.
I’d love to know what you did to celebrate Labor Day!
