09/07/2026
🇺🇸 LABOR DAY: WHAT ARE WE ACTUALLY CELEBRATING?
Labor Day is more than the unofficial end of summer, a three-day weekend, cookouts and sales.
It is a federal holiday recognizing the contributions American workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country.
The American labor movement grew rapidly during the Industrial Revolution, when many workers faced extremely long hours, low wages and dangerous working conditions. On September 5, 1882, thousands of workers participated in what is generally recognized as the first Labor Day celebration in New York City.
Over the following years, states began officially recognizing Labor Day. Then, on June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed legislation making the first Monday in September a federal holiday.
Labor Day is also connected to the broader history of workers organizing for improvements such as safer workplaces, reasonable working hours and better compensation. But an important distinction is often lost: Labor Day does not commemorate one specific strike, union or political movement. It honors American workers and their contributions as a whole.
So while we enjoy the cookouts, beaches, family gatherings and long weekend, remember what the day represents:
The millions of Americans, past and present, whose work built businesses, farms, factories, roads, communities and ultimately helped build the United States of America. 🇺🇸
Happy Labor Day to everyone who gets up, goes to work and contributes to keeping America moving.