| Many of us have probably wondered throughout | | | | stop a strike that was sponsored by the |
| the years why we celebrate Labor Day, though | | | | Railway Workers Union that caused 34 workers |
| we have not made any concentrated effort to | | | | to lose their lives.In Europe, China, and |
| find out. It is a tradition that we accept | | | | other countries in the rest of the world, it |
| with no questions asked. Some may not even be | | | | is May Day, the first day of May, that they |
| aware that Labor Day is more than just the | | | | hold celebrations similar to the North |
| end of summer activities.Labor unions were | | | | American celebration for Labor Day.In the |
| the first to celebrate the beginning of the | | | | 1950's approximately 40 percent of workers |
| Labor Day tradition in the US. A union leader | | | | belonged to labor unions in the United |
| by the name of Peter McGuire originated the | | | | States. Currently that figure is |
| idea of setting aside a day for workers to | | | | approximately 14 percent. As a result, Labor |
| gather in unity. On September 5, 1882, the | | | | Day is celebrated more as the unofficial way |
| inaugural Labor Day parade with all its | | | | to end the summer than as a labor union |
| finery was held in New York City, and a | | | | holiday. Just about all schools as well as |
| decision was made by the labor unions to | | | | businesses (including the US Government) |
| designate a date between Independence Day and | | | | close on Labor Day to allow people to have |
| the Thanksgiving holiday. The first Monday in | | | | one more barbeque before it begins to turn |
| September was chosen for future | | | | cold. It used to be symbolic, also, as the |
| celebrations.As the idea circulated in the | | | | beginning of a new school year, but with many |
| United States, some states declared this day | | | | schools returning the middle or end of |
| a holiday even before the first Monday in | | | | August, the day has lost its significance in |
| September was designated a national | | | | that respect, though it is still a closed |
| holiday.President Grover Cleveland signed the | | | | holiday for schools.Nicola always enjoys |
| bill to honor Labor Day. The date was chosen | | | | celebrating Labor Day and the end of summer. |
| to be that of the first Monday in the month | | | | Visit her site Labor Day 2006 site for Labor |
| of September. What makes this memorable is | | | | Day tips and news, information and views at |
| that Cleveland was not a support of the | | | | article may be reprinted in full so long as |
| unions. In fact, at the time he signed the | | | | the resource box and the live links are |
| bill, he was attempting to repair some damage | | | | included intact. All rights reserved. |
| to his political career that he had | | | | Copyright Your-Holiday. |
| previously suffered when he sent troops to | | | | |