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Politics & Government

Five Things You Might Not Know About Labor Day

Labor Day—the first Monday in September—celebrates the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of America.

For many Americans, Labor Day means the end of summer and for true fashionistas, it means it's time to put away the white pants.

But in reality, Labor Day celebrates the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of America.

Here are five more things you might not have known about Labor Day.

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1. According to USA.gov, on September 5, 1882, some 10,000 workers assembled in New York City to participate in America's first Labor Day parade.

2. This first Labor Day celebration was eagerly organized and executed by New York’s Central Labor Union, an umbrella group made up of representatives from many local unions, according to the web site.

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3. The web site also states, "Debate continues to this day as to who originated the idea of a workers' holiday, but it definitely emerged from the ranks of organized labor at a time when they wanted to demonstrate the strength of their burgeoning movement and inspire improvements in their working conditions."

4. New York's Labor Day celebrations inspired similar events across the country. Oregon became the first state to grant legal status to the holiday in 1887; other states soon followed.

5. In 1894, Congress passed legislation making Labor Day a national holiday.

Source: USA.gov

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