Labor Day, which is celebrated on the first Monday in September, is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. This annual national tribute is recognized for the contributions that U.S. workers made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country
The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. From them developed the movement to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During the year, four more states — Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York — created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers, and on June 28 of that year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories. (United States Department of Labor, 2011)
Let’s celebrate Labor Day by remembering and thanking those who came before us and paved the way to the prosperity, strength and well-being of our country. Happy Labor Day everyone!
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