Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday of September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the contributions of workers to the country's strength, prosperity, and well-being
. It originated in the late 19th century as labor activists and trade unions sought to establish a day to celebrate the achievements and solidarity of workers, including their efforts to improve working conditions such as shorter hours and fair wages
. The holiday was first celebrated with parades and public demonstrations organized by labor unions, notably the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, starting in the early 1880s
. It became an official federal holiday in 1894, partly to honor workers and partly to deflect attention from May Day celebrations associated with socialist movements
. Beyond being a day off work and a signal for the end of summer, Labor Day serves as a reminder of the history of labor struggles in the U.S. and the rights workers have gained through collective action
. It highlights the valuable role workers play in society and the ongoing need to advocate for fair treatment and better working conditions
. In summary, the purpose of Labor Day is to recognize and celebrate the contributions of workers, honor the labor movement's achievements, and reflect on the importance of workers' rights and conditions in society.
