Labor Day 2011

A Day To Honor Our Workers

In 1894 Labor Day became a national holiday and the first Monday in September was set.The first Labor Day was actually observed in 1882. It has been called the "workingmen's holiday" since 1884. Oregon was the first state to pass a law designating this day as a holiday. Soon many other states followed by passing legislation making Labor Day a holiday.



"It became a federal holiday in 1894, when, following the deaths of a number of workers at the hands of the U.S. military and U.S. Marshals during the Pullman Strike, President Grover Cleveland reconciled with the labor movement. Fearing further conflict, legislation making Labor Day a national holiday was rushed through Congress unanimously and signed into law a mere six days after the end of the strike." Source 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_Day

Labor Day is founded in the labor movement of the 1800s. Who first started this day is held in question. Some say that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners was the first to come up with the idea. Others say that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday.

Labor Day is suppose to be a day of rest for our labor force. A day to relax, have fun and celebrate with family and friends. Here is a song to express this idea: Labor Day 2011 Relaxing Music Acoustic Guitar Solo 4. Hope you enjoy and be sure to sit back and take a relaxing breath while watching.


"The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker." Source: http://www.dol.gov/opa/aboutdol/laborday.htm 

I wish all a safe and fun holiday weekend.

Elaine