Labor Day is coming up soon this year.
The federal holiday is held on the first Monday of September, which in 2014 falls on September 1.
That means the weekend that starts on August 30 will continue through September 1 for most people. Many U.S. residents get off work on Labor Day.
Labor Day falls on Monday, September 7 in 2015.
Labor Day was first celebrated on September 5 in 1882.
The holiday was thought up by Peter McGuire, a carpenter and labor union leader.
“He thought American workers should be honored with their own day. He proposed his idea to New York’s Central Labor Union early in 1882, and they thought the holiday was a good idea, too. With four long months between Independence Day and Thanksgiving, Peter suggested a month halfway in between,” according to the Library of Congress.
“The very first Labor Day was held on a Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City. The day was celebrated with a picnic, concert and speeches. Ten thousand workers marched in a parade from City Hall to Union Square. Soon after that first celebration, the holiday was moved to the first Monday in September, the day we still honor.
“Congress passed legislation making Labor Day a national holiday in 1894. Labor Day is not just a day to celebrate the accomplishments of workers; for some people, it is also a day to talk about their concerns and to discuss ways to get better working conditions and salaries.”
*Labor Day image via Shutterstock
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