Labor Day

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When did Labor Day become a federal holiday? After the deaths of workers in 1894 at the hands of the United States military, and the United States Marshals, President Grover Cleveland put compromise with the labor movement as a top political priority. This was during the Pullman strike. The Pullman Strike was the most violent and famous railroad related strikes. As a nationwide conflict between the railroads and labor unions, the Pullman Strike started in the town of Pullman, Illinois on May 11,1894. this was in response to reductions in wages. It involved 250,000 workers in 27 states. Labor Day was made a national holiday due to fears that further conflict would continue. Six days after the end of the strike, Congress, with one accord, signed into law, "Labor Day."

Outlined in the first proposal of the new law, the holiday would include a street parade to show the public, "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations." This would be followed by a festival for workers and their families. Introduced later were speeches by prominent women and men. More emphasis was placed on the civil significance and the economics of the holiday. Today the holiday is mostly regarded as a day of rest and activities with family and friends. Favoirte things that make this holiday fun include picnics, public events, and barbecues.Some cities also offer fireworks displays. Political speeches and demonstrations are often low key, but parades still continue on Labor Day in different cities.

This Labor Day have a great time and drive safe. If you're on the water boating make sure you and your passengers have on a life vest.