Labor Day

By: BHS Features Staff

August 28, 2024

Labor Day is The United States’ way of recognizing the contributions of workers and the history of labor in the U.S.

The first celebrations of Labor Day were in the 1880s. These celebrations were normally organized and held by workers and unions. As for the reason why we celebrate Labor Day in September, it is because Labor Day was normally celebrated in the picnic season at the end of Summer. 

So, why do we celebrate Labor Day? It is because most workers do not get the opportunity to reflect on why they do their jobs in the fashion that they do. Additionally, we all learn where the current workers’ rights come from and the prices past workers paid to secure those rights.

In the 19th century, there were many labor movements. One was called the Haymarket Affair. It took place in Chicago, Illinois, and it was a brutally-violent protest against the lengthy hours needed to work. During this protest, many workers were killed or injured, so it is important to memorialize those lives on Labor Day.

There were numerous and violent strikes in Chicago as well, especially for the coal miners. The coal strike of 1913-14 that was along the Front Range was where the Ludlow Massacre took place that resulted in 20 deaths. There was another coal strike in 1927-1928 that led to the death of eight workers, which included six coal miners who were unfortunately shot by the Colorado State Police at a mine in Boulder County, Colorado. This came to be known as the Columbine Mine Massacre.

Many of our country’s institutional structures, cultures, and political legacies have something to do with labor and labor movements. The United States of America is a country of workers built by the workers.

On September 2, it is more than acceptable to celebrate Labor Day with family and friends. Grilling, yard games, and different celebrations will ensue, but take a moment to reflect on the history of this holiday and to show gratitude to those who paved the way for the workers of this generation.

Happy Labor Day, everyone.

{Information for this article can be located at The University of Colorado Boulder.}