Labor Day will greet us on the morrow. As a reminder, this became a federal holiday in 1894 after President Grover Cleveland signed a congressional act into law. Although at first the holiday applied to federal workers, over time all US states, territories and the District of Columbia observed the holiday.
I have written over the years that our observance of many of our federal holidays has drifted far from their original purposes. I find this disappointing although I am as culpable as anyone. Consider, for example, how each of us marks Independence Day, Memorial Day or Christmas, and compare this to the holidays' original meaning. Labor Day should recall the struggles to achieve fairness and safety in the workplace that began well over a century ago. And while enormous progress has occurred, the task has not been, and may never be, completed.
Labor Day, like many other holidays, is a day that one is encouraged to purchase cheaper mattresses, linens and patio furniture. Amazon and other online vendors are all offering steep discounts. We live in a society that commercializes everything. We all celebrate Mother's Day to pay tribute to our great moms. But the flower industry, greeting card companies, candy companies and restaurant Sunday brunches are also celebrating moms' special day!
Labor Day is often marked with an outdoor BBQ as we near the end of summer. I may enjoy a great hot dog or a burger myself along with millions of others. But I'll try to pause and reflect on the tortured and fraught journey a long time ago that delivered us this day.
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