Labor Day 2023
Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, was said to have set aside a general holiday for the laboring classes, to honor those “who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold.”
Many people agree that a machinist named Matthew Maguire, of the Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, New Jersey, proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York.
Before it became a federal holiday, Labor Day was recognized by labor activists and some individual states. After ordinances were passed in 1885 and 1886, a movement developed to secure state legislation. New York was the first state to introduce a bill to make Labor Day a Holiday. It was already recognized by labor activists; and Oregon was the first state to pass a law recognizing Labor Day on February 21, 1887. Four more states followed to create Labor Day Holidays: Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York. By 1984, 23 more states had joined in celebrating Labor Day.
June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September of each year a national holiday. After he signed the law, according to the New Jersey Historical Society, the Paterson Morning Call published an article stating that the souvenir pen should go to Alderman Matthew Maguire of New York, whom they saw as the undisputed author of Labor Day as a holiday. Both Matthew Maguire and Peter McGuire attended the nation’s first Labor Day parade in New York City that year.
The Labor Day weekend symbolizes the end of summer and the beginning of the Fall. Americans see Labor Day as time off from work, an opportunity to spend time with family and friends. Backyard cookouts, one last dip in the pool, fireworks and parades are part of the fun.
During Operation Iraqi Freedom we celebrated every American Holiday as much as we could, and when it was safe to do so.
The U.S. Department of Labor has stated that American labor has lifted America's standard of living. It contributed to the greatest production and economic growth the world has ever known. The American worker embodies strength, freedom, and leadership. It is fitting that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the American Workers who built this country, and keep it running today.
Enjoy time with friends and family this Labor Day and as always stay safe!
From Aurea and the Silent Freedom Team
https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/labor-day-1
https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history
A reminder this Labor Day as we celebrate the greatness of our nation: If you see something, say something.
From the Department of Homeland Security Current Advisories - The United States remains in a heightened threat environment. Lone offenders and small groups motivated by a range of ideological beliefs and personal grievances continue to pose a persistent and lethal threat to the Homeland.
