What do you know about the history of Labor Day, a national holiday that falls on the first Monday of September each year? It is known as the working person’s holiday.
In June 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed into law the creation of a national holiday known as Labor Day, seen as a way to appease workers. There had been unrest and dissatisfaction among American workers all over the United States who believed that they were underpaid and forced to work too many long hours, often in dangerous conditions. For almost a decade, there were strikes, boycotts, and riots.
The event that prompted action by Congress and the president was known as the Pullman Car Company strike in Chicago in 1894 when workers went on strike to protest cuts in their wages and the firing of union representatives. The strike shut down railroads all over the country. In response, the federal government sent in troops, resulting in mass riots with 13 workers killed and 60 injured.
Labor Day is often celebrated as the last day of summer. It is a time to plan many fun-filled family activities. Before you do so, please teach your children about this working person’s holiday and how it came to be established.
Below is a link for Labor Day ideas for children. Labor Day can be celebrated throughout the year, as many of these activities can be done at any time, not just on this holiday.
To learn more, please visit:
https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/labor-day-1
https://www.countryliving.com/life/g28648945/things-to-do-on-labor-day-near-me/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBMxtn7GnzE
https://www.teachingexpertise.com/classroom-ideas/labor-day-activities/