Know History of Labor Day- what’s open and what’s closed in Labor Day 2021

Today, Sept. 6, is Labor Day, the time to mark the contributions workers have made to America. It’s also the unofficial end of summer and many people will be enjoying gatherings and events today.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of the American worker. The holiday traces its roots to the late 19th century when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the contributions workers have made to the country.

Before it was a federal holiday, Labor Day was recognized by labor activists and individual states. After municipal ordinances were passed in 1885 and 1886, a movement developed to secure state legislation.

New York was the first state to introduce a bill, but Oregon was the first to pass a law recognizing Labor Day, on February 21, 1887. In 1887, four more states – Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York – passed laws creating a Labor Day holiday. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday.

According to the New Jersey Historical Society, that bill was later signed by President Grover Cleveland.

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.

By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September of each year a national holiday.

Many Americans celebrate Labor Day with parades, picnics, and parties – festivities very similar to those outlined by the first proposal for a holiday, which suggested that the day should be observed with – a street parade to exhibit “the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations” of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day.

As a federal holiday, government offices are closed, as are state and local offices and schools.

Here’s what’s open and what’s closed for Labor Day 2021:

Federal offices – Closed
State offices – Closed
County and city offices – Closed
Banks – Closed
Schools – Closed
Financial markets – Closed
Garbage pickup – Delayed in most areas, check with your provider.
U.S. Post Offices – Closed. There will be no mail delivery except holiday Premium/Priority Mail Express. Regular mail delivery, collections and retail services resume Tuesday.

Open normal hours: