Kellogg's Korner

Labor day is a federal and State holiday that we all celebrate on the first Monday of September, and often coincides with the start of the school year. Many people look forward to this holiday each year, but how many know where this holiday originated?

Labor day started from labor disputes in Canada (yes it is originally a Canadian thing) in 1870 known as the “Nine-Hour Movement”. The labor unions  legalized The parades held in support of the Nine-Hour Movement and the printers’ strike led to an annual celebration in Canada, In 1882. The first U.S. Celebration was September 5 of the same year. It was organized by Labor Leader Peter J. McGuire after he observed on of the Canadian celebrations.

In  the aftermath of deaths civilian workers, when President Cleveland ordered Military and U.S. Marshals to end the Pullman Strike in Chicago in 1894, Legislation was unanimously passed by both the House and the Senate in a historic 6 days. This legislation made Labor Day a National holiday, which was adopted by all 50 States.

This became a National Holiday for one simple reason. The Federal Government wanted to show their support for the working American, which came only after that same government had Americans killed for striking after getting a pay reduction.  Needless to say, this did not fools the American People and Grover Cleveland was not redenominated for  President by the Democratic party.

This is the holiday we are Celebrating today, one founded in our nation to easy the distrust of the people for the Government. The premise for the holiday, a celebration for the working class of America, is a great one. The reason it was passed gives me pause in celebrations.

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