Labor Day 2012

Did you know that Monday, September 3 is a national holiday and that you do not have any classes on that day? 

Well, it’s true. The first Monday of September each year is Labor Day. This holiday is for us to appreciate the achievements of American workers. 

It was first called the “working man’s holiday” so that people who don’t usually get time off could have one day to spend with their families and relax. In the 1880s American industry was growing so fast that the workers started to form unions in order to organize their rights and benefits. It was during that time period that the tradition of Labor Day started. 

According to the UnitedStated Department of Labor website, “The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy”. Therefore, we now celebrate the work of laborers who work hard every day to make this country what it is today.

Because of the time of year when we celebrate this holiday, Americans also think of this as the last summer gathering of the year. People usually celebrate Labor Day with friends and family by cooking barbeque outside and playing outdoor games. Many people go to their summer vacation homes on lakes around Indiana and play on the water as well.

So what can you do on Labor Day in Muncie? Well, not much, really, but you can find activities in the Indianapolis area that are typical American Labor Day celebrations. As the Yahoo News site says, “parades, pools, ribs and racing” are all a part of Labor Day activities and you can find them all in Indy this weekend. For more information, check out the Yahoo news link here.

Note that because it is a national holiday, banks and other government offices will be closed on Monday.