Celebrating Labor Day
The form for the celebration of Labor Day was outlined in the first proposal of the holiday: A street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and spirit of the trade and labor organizations" followed by a festival for the workers and their families. This became the pattern for Labor Day celebrations. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the civil 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.
The holiday often marks the end of the traditional summer season (although summer doesn't officially end until September 21), as students normally return to school the following week, although school year starting days now vary. Typically most families enjoy the holiday by going out of town for the weekend, participating in charity work or perhaps by taking advantage of Labor Day sales. Continue reading to find ideas on how to enjoy your Labor Day. |
Charity Work
Labor Day has been around for a long time. New York City was the first city to celebrate the holiday, all the way back in 1882. The first national Labor Day took place in 1894, nearly 120 years ago. There are currently an estimated 155 million men and women in the U.S. workforce. These men and women are the people we celebrate each Labor Day. American workers, from farmers to scientists and business people to members of the military, have all contributed to making this country stronger, better and more productive.
Ironically, there are some laborers who don't get a day off even though the nation is celebrating them. This includes members of the military, hospital workers, emergency personnel and farmers. What better way to celebrate these workers then by giving them a hand? As the last day of vacation before the kids start school, Labor Day is the perfect day to get in that last-minute volunteer work as a family or community before school and extracurricular activities take over. If you need some convincing, here are some facts about volunteering that you might not know.
If you don't know where to start no need to worry there are many websites that make the process of volunteering easier. |