Summer’s Last Hurrah

Summer’s Last Hurrah

Sept. 7—Labor Day (U.S.)
Always the first Monday in September, Labor Day was the idea of Peter J. Maguire, a labor union leader who in 1882 proposed a celebration honoring the American worker.

At his suggestion, 10,000 workers held a parade in Union Square, New York City, and followed it with political speeches, fireworks, and a picnic.

The date chosen was simply “convenient,” according to Maguire, because it was midway between the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving.

Although the day’s focus on organized labor has diminished over the years, the legal holiday still marks the end of summer and the traditional time for children to return to school.

Don’t forget to fly the flag! See American Flag Rules.