Enjoy Some Rest

We can all thank members of the Central Labor Union for providing the working people of America with a day to rest. I wondered where and how Labor Day originated, and came across this on Wikipedia:

"Labor Day has been celebrated on the first Monday in September in the United States since the 1880s. The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take were outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement."

Thanks to those who fought in unions for fairer wages and safer, better working conditions. I've been a union member for about seven years now, and I appreciate the benefits of being such. Accordingly, I will enjoy my day away from labor tomorrow -- but I doubt the kids got the message! We might be busier than usual around here!

Technorati Tag
Labor Day