Labor Day Then and Now
Labor Day is a holiday created to honor the achievements and contributions of all who have worked to create our country the way it is today.
“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Labor Day was officially recognized as a national holiday in 1894. Previously, many states began to adapt the holiday and celebrate it within their own state, but on June 28th of 1894, Congress passed the holiday as a national event to be held annually on the first Monday of September. This year marks the 121st anniversary of the holiday.
The holiday was established in order to celebrate and honor the workers who have contributed to making our country what it is today. Traditionally, parades were held in the streets of local areas where families could watch festive entertainment and listen to speeches given by important people of the time. The Glen Ellyn community, in 1909, celebrated Labor Day with a parade in the streets of its downtown.
Nowadays, most people celebrate the holiday by taking time off of their normal schedules. Glenbard West includes Labor Day as a day off from school, allowing students to have an extra day to spend with their families and friends. Although it is an extended weekend, remember that all those who work, including students who work in school, are appreciated and honored today.
Emma Blackwell is senior at West and is both the Editor-in-Chief of The Glen Bard and a columnist. Her main column is called "Artist's Corner" and covers...
