Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday in September. It is a day to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday was first proposed in the early 1880s, and by 1894 it had become a national holiday, already being observed in 24 states.
The roots of Labor Day can be traced back to the decades following the Civil War when workers participated in strikes and rallies to demand shorter workdays and better working conditions. The date for Labor Day was chosen to fall roughly halfway between the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving, with no particular significance to the date.
Over the years, the significance of Labor Day in the United States has changed. While it is still celebrated with parades, speeches, and political rallies, for many people, it has become an end-of-summer celebration and a long weekend for family get-togethers.
