Empower Your Workforce: Celebrating Labor Day's History and Impact on Employee Appreciation

Labor Day is the perfect time to celebrate workers and their leaders! Here are some little-known facts about the holiday that make it extra special.

1. Labor Day was first celebrated in 1882, making it one of the oldest national holidays in the United States.

2. It was initially known as Decoration Day - a day dedicated to honoring the labor movements and workers who had lost their lives in industrial accidents.

3. It was first officially recognized by the US government in 1894 when Congress voted to make it a national holiday.

4. The first Labor Day parade was held in New York City on September 5th, 1882.

5. There is no definitive answer as to who first proposed the holiday, but it is credited to either Peter J. McGuire, a leader of the labor movement, or Matthew Maguire, a machinist and union organizer.

6. Labor Day has become known as “the unofficial end of summer” in the United States, marking many people’s last chance to enjoy a weekend at the beach or outdoors before fall begins.

7. The Monday of Labor Day Weekend is also a popular time for auto dealerships and retailers to offer discounts and special sales in honor of workers.

8. While most countries celebrate International Workers’ Day on May 1st, the official date for US Labor Day is the first Monday in September.

9. The traditional Labor Day menu consists of hot dogs and hamburgers, potato salad, chips, and apple pie – all said to represent the hard work put in by labor leaders for their workers’ rights and benefits.

10. As a final tribute to the authentic flavor of US Labor Day, its iconic colors are red, white, and blue. So this Labor Day, don your most patriotic attire and celebrate the hardworking members of our society!

Happy Labor Day!**Source:** https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/labor-day-facts. Accessed 8/30/2020.