Labor Day Signals the End of Summer, Though Not Really

Labor Day comes on the first Monday of the ninth month. That’s September 7^th this year. Many people feel that the national holiday means summer is ending with the three-day weekend. Actually, summer doesn’t end this year until 16 days later on September 23^rd at 4:21 a.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time.

Since Labor Day comes during the last few days of summer, it has the reputation of indicating the fun time of the hot months is ending. Most public school systems begin before or shortly after Labor Day adding to the feelings that the vacation time of summer is ending.

The holiday came from the country’s labor movement that began in the 1800’s when union groups wanted a special day that would celebrate the social and economic achievements of American workers. On February 21, 1887, Oregon was the first state to pass a law making Labor Day a holiday. By 1894, 31 states adopted the holiday.

On June of 1894, the U.S. Congress passed an act that made the first Monday in September a federal holiday. The holiday extended beyond the 50 states to the District of Columbia and the inhabited territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, The Northern Marianas, The U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa.

Celebrations for Labor Day have changed since it began 121 years ago. Parades, especially in large industrial cities, aren’t as common as during the first several years of the holiday. It’s become a more family-orientated holiday with people looking to squeeze a last bit of fun away from work and school.

The theme of Labor Day remains true to its name. Our country’s high standard of living comes from the vital force of productivity provided by those who labor. This productivity brings us constantly closer to the realization of the country’s traditional ideas of economic and political democracy.

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