This weekend (well, Monday, to be exact) is Labor Day in the US. To most of us, it marks the unofficial end of summer and is celebrated with parties and swimming and other outdoor activities.
The original reason for the Labor Day holiday originated in the late 1800s during a time of 12 hour work days, 7 day work weeks, unsafe working conditions, and child labor at the height of the Industrial Revolution. Labor unions multiplied and the strikes and rallies they organized helped to bring some reform to working conditions, but it also brought much unrest and violence. In an attempt to repair some of the emotional damage, Congress passed an act to create a legal holiday called Labor Day, and it was signed into law in 1894 by President Grover Cleveland. It is always celebrated the first Monday in September.
There's another fun fact about Labor Day you should know: I was born on Labor Day, and every year on my birthday, my mother always liked to remind me that her Labor Day that year was ruined by being in actual labor and pushing out a 10 pound baby.
Are you thankful you have a job? Or thankful you don't? Are you thankful for a three-day weekend? For getting together with friends or family to celebrate the end of summer? Share your thankfuls with us this weekend! The link is live, and we would sure love to have you!
While i'd rather be retired, i am thankful to have work. Happy Labor Day!
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