Gowdy: A Labor Day tribute to the American worker
The 'Sunday Night in America' host asks Americans to 'celebrate and acknowledge the inherent value of labor.'
Though it may be known as the unofficial end of summer, Labor Day is actually a time to celebrate the achievements of workers.
Many employees get the federal holiday off from work — and many workers use the three-day weekend as a time to travel, while others host barbecues with friends and family.
Although many workers get to enjoy the day, there are some employees who do not get the day off.
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This includes police, firefighters and medical employees like doctors and nurses, as well as those involved with the travel industry.
Here is more information about Labor Day — including its history and why it continues to be celebrated today.
Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September throughout the U.S. (iStock)
- When is Labor Day?
- What is Labor Day?
- What is the history of Labor Day?
- How do people celebrate Labor Day?
- Can you wear white after Labor Day?
1. When is Labor Day?
Labor Day takes place annually on the first Monday in September.
This allows for a three-day weekend for most American workers.
2. What is Labor Day?
Labor Day is a federal holiday that honors American workers. The origins of the holiday date back to the 1880s, when workers fought for better working conditions as labor unions became increasingly popular.
Labor Day parades and festivals happen across the country. (iStock)
3. What is the history of Labor Day?
Labor Day originated at a time when working conditions in the U.S. were often precarious and unsafe.
Back then, the average American worked 12-hour days, seven days a week, just to make a living.
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This state of affairs prompted labor unions to begin to organize in protest of poor conditions and low pay.
The country’s first Labor Day parade took place in 1882, when 10,000 workers took unpaid time off to march in New York City, History.com reported.
The Central Labor Union organized the event, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).
Holidays are always a popular time to travel, and Labor Day is no different. (iStock)
Though the exact origins of Labor Day are unclear, according to the DOL, it was created by either Peter J. McGuire or Matthew Maguire — both union leaders — in the 1880s.
Both men attended the first Labor Day parade in New York City.
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Even though the first Labor Day parade occurred in 1882, it wasn’t officially recognized anywhere in the U.S. until 1887, when Oregon passed legislation to make it a state holiday.
Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York subsequently followed suit and made Labor Day official state holidays.
Stores such as The Home Depot hold sales for Labor Day weekend. (iStock)
However, it wasn’t until 1894 when Labor Day became a federal holiday, which was signed into law by President Grover Cleveland.
The law stated that Labor Day would fall on the first Monday of September, as it still does today.
4. How do people celebrate Labor Day?
Travel is extremely popular during Labor Day weekend. If you are flying during the holiday, expect full flights, high capacity at airports and possible delays/cancelations.
It is not uncommon for workers to take a quick trip during Labor Day for a last summer vacation.
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Barbecues are another popular way to spend the day. Many gather together for a last summer party during Labor Day weekend.
There are also many parades and festivals that happen across the country in honor of the holiday.
End-of-summer barbecues are common for Labor Day weekend. (iStock)
Lastly, many stores are known to hold sales throughout Labor Day weekend, so it is a favored time for shopping.
5. Can you wear white after Labor Day?
You have probably heard the rule that you aren’t supposed to wear white after Labor Day, which may be difficult to follow if you have a lot of neutral colors in your wardrobe.
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You actually can wear that white sweater during the second half of the year, since the rule is an outdated one that dates back to the 1900s.
The rule comes from "an age where there was a dress code for practically every occasion," The Emily Post Institute says on its website.
The fashion "rule" that you shouldn’t wear white after Labor Day is outdated, according to personal stylists. (iStock)
In the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day, people with wealth would travel from the cities to seaside homes or mountain cabins, where they would wear "lighter, whiter summer outfits," according to the website.
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Even though the rule is outdated, many still choose to follow it.
Ann Schmidt contributed reporting.
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