On September 5, 1882, the first Labor Day parade was held in New York City, followed by picnics all around the city and fireworks at night. Within the next few years, the idea spread from coast to coast, and all states celebrated Labor Day. In 1894, Congress voted it a federal holiday.
Today we celebrate Labor Day with a little less fanfare on the first Monday of September. Most Americans consider Labor Day the end of the summer, and the beaches and other popular resort areas are packed with people enjoying one last three-day weekend.
Next Page - Labor Day Vocabulary
