Labor Day


to Homespun-Country Kitchen's
Labor Day Page!

(Source: U.S. DOL - The History of Labor Day)

Labor Day

"Labor Day differs in every essential way from the other holidays of the year in any country.  All other holidays are in a more or less degree connected with conflicts and battles of man's prowess over man, of strife and discord for greed and power, of glories achieved by one nation over another. Labor Day...is devoted to no man, living or dead, to no sect, race, or nation."

-- Samuel Gompers, founder and longtime president of the American Federation of Labor.

The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take were outlined in the first proposal of the holiday -- a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families.

This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday.

True, things have changed these days with Labor Day being celebrated with the civic events usually associated with national holidays in America. But behind all the usual fun and fiesta of a national holiday, the Day has a unique significance.

The spirit is to pay a national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the power and prosperity of America.

Yes, that is what Labor Day stands for.

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We hope you'll enjoy your visit to Homespun's new page to honor Labor Day and those who labor to make our country great!

Whether your plans for this 'end of summer' holiday weekend include getting together with family and friends for a backyard barbecue, or perhaps taking advantage of the extended weekend for a last camping trip before fall sets in...

Remember the men and women who made that folding chair you're sitting in, the checkered tablecloth under the fried chicken platter, and even the can or bottle of something cold in your hand, and say, THANKS!

Why Do We Celebrate Labor Day?
The History of Labor Day
The Origins of Labor Day
Labor Day Parades and Celebrations
Labor Day Picnics (& Picnic Recipes)
Labor Day Poetry
Labor Day Recipes
Labor Day Links
Labor Movement

Go back to Homespun-Country Kitchen.

This page was last updated November 10, 2004.