Why we celebrate Labor Day and the meaning behind it

Why we celebrate Labor Day and the meaning behind it

Photo: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division

Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894.

Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894.

Labor Day was recognized by labor activists and individual state

Labor Day was recognized by labor activists and individual state

During 1887, four more states – Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York – passed laws creating a Labor Day holiday

During 1887, four more states – Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York – passed laws creating a Labor Day holiday

By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894

By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894

In 2021, there were approximately 14 million labor union members in the U.S.

In 2021, there were approximately 14 million labor union members in the U.S.

– Some 137 million Americans are expected to travel over Labor Day weekend.

– Some 137 million Americans are expected to travel over Labor Day weekend.

Americans worked 12-hour days seven days a week during the 19th century

Americans worked 12-hour days seven days a week during the 19th century

There is still a Labor Day parade in New York City, which takes place throughout the 20 blocks north of the 1882 labor march

The first celebrated US Labor Day was on Tuesday, September 5, 1882 in New York City, planned by the Central Labor Union