Labor Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September (September 6 in 2010).
The first Labor Day in the United States was celebrated on September 5, 1882 in New York City.^[1] 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 put reconciliation with the labor movement as a top political priority.
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.^[2] The September date was chosen as Cleveland was concerned that aligning an American labor holiday with existing international May Day celebrations would stir up negative emotions linked to the Haymarket Affair.^[3] All 50 U.S. states have made Labor Day a state holiday.
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 esprit de corps 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
economic and 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.
Traditionally, Labor Day is celebrated by most Americans as the symbolic end of the summer. The holiday is often regarded as a day of rest and parties. Speeches or political demonstrations are more low-key than May 1 Labor Day celebrations in most countries, although events held by labor organizations often
feature political themes and appearances by candidates for office,
especially in election years. Forms of celebration include picnics,
barbecues, fireworks displays, water sports, and public art events.
Families with school-age children take it as the last chance to travel
before the end of summer recess. Similarly, some teenagers and young
adults view it as the last weekend for parties before returning to
school, although school starting times now vary.
In U.S. sports, Labor Day marks the beginning of the NFL and college football seasons. NCAA teams usually play their first games the week before Labor Day, with the NFL traditionally playing their first game the Thursday following Labor Day. The Southern 500 NASCAR auto race was held that day from 1950 to 2004.
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