evolved from the growing working class developing out of the industrial revolution. It was recognized for a basic American belief in the importance of hard work to achieve success.
Peter McGuire, the President for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Union and a leader for the Knights of Labor, suggested a holiday celebrating and honoring labor to the Central Labor Union of New York City. On September 2, 1882, the Central Labor Union staged a parade and celebration in New York City. It was such a success, it was repeated the following year and has continued to be popular in modern day.
There is no real significance to the date itself. According to McGuire, he selected the First Monday in September simply because it was in between July 4 and Thanksgiving. He thought it would provide a nice respite. Today it has become a symbol of the end of summer, the end of vacation, the beginning of school, and the beginning of fall.
