Photo by jnn1776 on Flickr
Other than the fact that Labor Day falls on the first Monday in September, what do you know about this holiday? For me, this is one of the only holidays where I’m not obligated to visit family across state, purchase expensive gifts or dress for an uncomfortable photo session. Yes, Labor Day is the ultimate chillax day.
The holiday is often regarded as a day of rest and parties. Families with school-age children take it as the last chance to travel before the end of summer recess. I’m pumped about this time of year because NFL and College football has returned to its rightful place, on my television! In fashion circles, Labor Day is considered the last day of the year when it is fashionable for women to wear white. Ladies, this sounds like a good excuse to go shopping.
Sources gathered in Wikipedia inform us that ”The first big Labor Day in the United States was observed on September 5, 1882, by the Central Labor Union of New York. 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.”
Well Congress, you certainly came together with one accord to do some good things. Labor Day, my chillax day, is a great thing! Today’s news is filled with bad economic news, high unemployment and high cost of living expenses. Let’s use this day as an opportunity to reflect on why we labor. We should work hard for the legacy we are building and the people who matter the most in our lives. Find rest in the people who love and support you. Use this Labor Day to form a deeper connection with the people whom you continue to work so hard for. Let not your labor be in vain.