Labor Day was born in New York in 1882 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. In later years, prominent men and women delivered speeches. This is less common now, but is sometimes seen in election years.
One of the reasons for choosing to celebrate Labor Day on the first Monday in September, and not on May 1, which is common in the rest of the world, was to add a holiday in the long gap between Independence Day and Thanksgiving.
May God grant us to receive his call to work with joy and hope, to give dignity to oneself and to one’s family. St. Joseph, pray for all workers and intercede for those seeking employment.