“Labor Day – A Day Off”
Psalm 107:1 “O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever.”
Background
In the month of September, the Nation celebrates Labor Day, and it is known as the “working man’s holiday”. Labor Day originated during one of American labor history’s most dismal times. In the late 1800s, at the height of the Industrial Revolution in the United States, the average American worked 12-hour days and they worked seven days per week in order to make a basic living. Despite restrictions in some states, children as young as five or six often worked in mills, factories, and mines across the country, earning a fraction of their adult counterparts’ wages. People of all ages, particularly the very poor and recent immigrants often faced extremely unsafe working conditions, with insufficient access to fresh air, sanitary facilities, and breaks.
The First One
The first Labor Day was organized by the Central Labor Union of New York in 1882; however, in 1894, Grover Cleveland made Labor Day a federal holiday, and it is observed the first Monday in September. Labor Day marks (what some might say) the last official holiday of the summer. When first observed, the Labor Day Holiday would be filled with parades, followed by festivals, at which time labor union workers would be recognized and shown appreciation for their hard work in the trade and labor organization. The day would end with the display of fireworks. However, today Labor Day honors working men and women from all occupations and professions.
Give Thanks
As we celebrate Labor Day, let us begin by giving thanks to God for jobs and employment of all kinds. Let us enjoy a day of rest from our daily labor (regardless of the profession). Have fun, enjoy food, and fellowship with family and friends! When barbecuing, please be careful and exercise safety. For those that may be enjoying a day at the beach or at the pool, please be observant of your surroundings, as well as be cautious of children near the water. Wherever you are, and however you choose to celebrate, be safe, and thank God for all that He has given. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pays tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker. Enjoy your day off and remember to always give thanks!