This year, as America’s Department of Labor turns 100 years old, we take note of the fact that Labor Day is fully American. It is a day dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. Through the years the nation gave increasing emphasis to Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a “workingmen’s holiday” on that date. It quickly became a nationwide holiday.
Take rest;
a field that has rested
gives a bountiful crop.
