The
first Labor Day was held in 1882. Its origins stem from the desire of
the Central Labor Union to create a holiday for workers. It became a
federal holiday in 1894. It was originally intended that the day
would be filled with a street parade to allow the public to
appreciate the work of the trade and labor organizations. After the
parade, a festival was to be held to amuse local workers and their
families. In later years, prominent men and women held speeches. This
is less common now, but is sometimes seen in election years. One of
the reasons for choosing to celebrate this on the first Monday in
September was to add a holiday in the long gap between Independence
Day and Thanksgiving
