Labor Day is annually held on the first Monday of September. It was originally organized to celebrate organized labor's strengths and contributions to the United States economy. It is largely a day of rest in modern times. For-profit corporate commercialism has marked Labor Day as the end of the summer, back to school sales and the last chance to make trips or hold outdoor events. Labor Day's true purpose is to celebrate the accomplishments of the American worker and pay homage to our nation's labor unions.
Labor Day is a federal holiday. All Government offices, schools and organizations and many businesses are closed. Some public celebrations, such as fireworks displays, parades, picnics and barbecues, are organized. For many teams, it is the start of the NFL football season.
The first Labor Day was held in 1882 in New York City. Its origins stem from the desire of the American Unions 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 trades, crafts and labor unions of the time. After the parade, a festival was held for local workers and their families. In later years, prominent men and women and politicians held speeches. These traditions are still celebrated today.
Click here to watch a video on the history of Labor Day from the History Channel.
http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/labor-day