Though Labor Day has traditionally come to mark the end of the summer season (as I sit here in the SMB Nation office, with a downpour outside, I can believe it), it actually has very deep roots in the history of the American work force.
The first Labor Day to be nationally recognized was in 1894, though many organizations in the Union had been celebrating since 1885, with the most famous being New York’s Central Labor Union. Labor Day gained national recognition fairly quickly, as labor unions increased in number and influence during the late 19th and early20th centuries. After time, the holiday focused more on an overall civil work force, based on the need for all types of workers to drive a developing industrial power, and featured parades and speeches from influential men and women. Today’s Labor Day is most often celebrated with a parade and a barbeque.
However you celebrate, we want to wish all of you a very happy Labor Day! Remember: Tthe SMB Nation offices will be closed on Monday, September 2 in observance of this holiday, but we look forward to working with you all again on Tuesday, September 3!
