source: Western Wisconsin AFL – CIO

The first Labor Day celebration was held September 5, 1882 in New York City as a way to celebrate the “workingmen’s holiday” according to the U.S. Department of Labor. For the first few Labor Day celebrations were to be parades that exhibited the “strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations” to the public, as well as a festival for recreation and family amusement for American laborers and their families. As Labor Day approaches, we urge you to remember the original purpose of this great holiday and celebrate the foundation of America and the creator of our strength, freedom, and leadership – the American worker.

From those who work in manufacturing to the office, all forms of American work are celebrated.  The force of labor in America brought us, as a country, closer to our ideals of economic and political democracy. It also was vital in bringing about the highest standard of living and greatest production the world has ever known. Without the average American laborer our country would not have seen the rise to prominence that it did during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is important, especially on this day to celebrate America by supporting U.S. workers and remembering to invest your money in products that were created on American soil. You can create more labor demands in your country, and consequently, more production and a rise in overall standard of living and consumerism.

Labor Day is an important day to reflect on the building of America and the people who have helped to create that foundation. You can celebrate Labor Day by buying American and enjoying the freedom you have during your day off.