Many Americans work hard. They also play hard. Labor Day is a celebration of those that have led us to better working conditions, but for many of us, it is a day to rest, relax, and just have a good time.

Working conditions have changed a lot over the history of this nation. Thanks in part to labor unions, workers have better working conditions, better hours, and more pay than their ancestors may have experienced. A labor union even gave us this holiday. The U.S. Department of Labor website states that Labor Day is “a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers” and that it is a tribute “to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.”

The holiday began on September 5, 1882 in New York City. In 1884, the holiday was changed to be celebrated on the first Monday in September. All of this was done by the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union encouraged other unions in other industrial centers to join them in this celebration.

Municipal ordinances were passed in some areas in 1885 and later state recognition for the holiday began in 1887. On June 28, 1894, after several states had created laws recognizing the holiday, Congress finally passed a law for the District of Columbia and all territories to recognize the holiday.

Initially, the day was celebrated with a parade to show the strength of the labor union. Labor unions are not as prominent in today’s society as they once were. Also, with the rise of the population in many urban areas, the mere thought of a parade can cause city officials nightmares. They are not as practical as they may have once been. Instead, just like our modern lives have changed who is included in the celebration, it also has changed the celebration itself.

The Labor Day weekend is often thought of as the last chance to have summer fun before the drudgery of winter comes upon us. People run to the beaches, mountains, or anywhere else that they choose to get away from their everyday lives. Some may throw parties or host cookouts. Some towns may even have a celebration complete with a parade and speeches by local officials and leaders.

Whatever you choose to do this weekend, be thankful for those leaders in the past that have helped get the working conditions to where they are. Look forward to what you can do to help improve the working conditions for the future generations. Be thankful for those that are not celebrating the day, but instead work so that you can celebrate. Above all, remember that this day began to honor those that were trying to make a difference.