Legislatively Labor Day did not become a holiday at the Federal level first. In fact it took a good while for it to become a National holiday. Labor Day took the path of municipal ordinances passed in 1885 and 1886. New York was the first to introduce a bill, but the first state to make Labor Day a holiday by passing a law was Oregon on February 21, 1887. Oregon as followed by Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York creating a holiday celebrating their work force. As a new decade was approaching Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania were also celebrating Labor Day!
On June 28th of 1894 Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.
The idea of Labor Day came from Labor Union workers as they adopted a proposal and appointed a committee for a demonstration and picnic. It said it was the idea of one of two workers but it is still unclear who was the founder some say it was Peter J. McGuire the general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners others give credit to Matthew Maguire a machinist.
The Federal observance and celebration of Labor Day is outlined to hold a street parade to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community. A festival was to follow for the amusement of the workers and their families. Speeches would be given by prominent community members.
Over the years this nation has paid tribute to the backbone and strength of this nations leadership, strength the American worker!
Happy Labor Day to all!
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