CHARLESTON AFB, S.C. –
I have to admit it, every year I really look forward to Labor Day. I think nearly all of us do.
However, the purpose for this enthusiasm among us is quite varied. In fact, one could argue Labor Day begets more activities or reasons for exhilaration than any national holiday. A few examples I heard this week were: A nice long weekend, the last "hoorah" of summer, the last big water skiing or beach weekend, the beginning of a new school year and my personal favorite ... the long anticipated return of college football season.
However, I recently discovered through a very unofficial survey, not many of us, myself included, are very familiar with the meaning or rationale behind Labor Day. We all like it for different reasons and we all celebrate it doing different things. The reason for and meaning of Labor Day is not as solidified as its holiday partners. It sounds crazy until you think about the numerous holidays we celebrate throughout the year and how easily identifiable their reason for commemoration.
For example, we know why we celebrate Independence Day. We remember great sacrifices made on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. We know why we recognize Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
After some research, it was fitting to learn the founder of Labor Day is not known itself.
Some records show Peter McGuire, secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters, as the first to suggest a day to "honor those who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold." Other records show it was a machinist named Matthew McGuire who, while serving as the secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York, proposed the first demonstration and picnic to honor the "workers."
Regardless, the notion of an organized labor movement to support workers' rights began to spread in the late 1870s due to harsh working conditions caused by the "boom" of industrialization in the United States. Men, women and children worked in factories 12 hours a day and came to work even if ill because, with thousands of people waiting to take their place, they knew they would be fired.
The movement for workers' rights grew into the idea of organizing workers according to their trade and the momentum from these "unions" spread rapidly across the country as workers began to demand a suitable workday, job security and benefits to counter those harsh working conditions. In an effort to continue this momentum, someone suggested a demonstration by workers be held. The Central Labor Union in New York adopted this proposal and on Sept. 5, 1882, approximately 20,000 workers marched peacefully in the first "laborers" parade. Within two years, the idea spread across the country as all states were having similar rallies for recognition of the strides made to worker's rights.
Still, Labor Day was not a federal holiday but that was soon to change.
In 1894, President Grover Cleveland declared an ongoing strike by the Railway Union a federal crime and, as a result, the strike got out of control with the burning and looting of railway cars. Six days after the situation was diffused, and in an effort to win back the hearts of the laborers for re-election, President Cleveland signed a bill naming the first Monday of September, a federal holiday, Labor Day. He lost the election, but the holiday still stands and over time continuous milestones were made resulting in what many American workers have today: suitable workdays, job security and benefits.
So, back to why Labor Day?
I say Labor Day is a national tribute to generations of men and women who built America and those who continue to work hard for the prosperity and well-being of our country. So while you're out on the boat, running on the beach or surfing the channels for your favorite football team, take a little time to reflect on why this day is significant to you and to America ... and rest assured, enjoying yourself with whatever activity you choose is the perfect thing to do on Labor Day. With all your hard work, you've earned it.