| It
was on September 5, 1882 that the
first Labor Day parade was held. In New
York City, 20,000 workers marched up Broadway, carrying
banners that
read “Labor Creates All Wealth,” and “Eight
Hours forWork, Eight Hours
for Rest, Eight Hours for Recreation!
Today,
we celebrate that first Monday in September with barbeques,
fireworks,
beach and pool parties. It marks the end of the summer
season, the
beginning of the new school year, and was designed to
create a long weekend
for workers.
Workers
in the 1850s began organizing and trying for an 8-hour
day
which strikes me as a good thing. I usually feel guilty
when I shop on a holiday
because I feel I am part of the “consumer”
mentality, encouraging
stores to stay open--but, specifically on this one when
many store employees
are really not given too much of a choice about working.
So, if you're
lucky enough to be home, make the most of it, have a
celebration, relax,
enjoy, have fun and stay safe.
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