When is Labor Day? What is it? All about the federal holiday with Ohio roots
Labor Day is coming up, which for some of us merely means a three-day weekend or the arrival of Cincinnati's coveted WEBN Fireworks.
But did you know the federal holiday, rooted in celebrating American workers, carries Ohio roots?
Here's what to know about the national holiday.
When is Labor Day 2024?
This year's annual Labor Day is Monday, Sept. 2, 2024. Each year, Labor Day falls on the first Monday in September, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.
What is Labor Day, and why is it important?
Labor Day honors the efforts of the American workforce, and celebrates the achievements of workers across the country, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. It highlights the significance of workers’ rights.
What is the history of Labor Day?
Activists during the late 1800s wanted a day to recognize the contributions made by the workers, and eventually more and more states adopted local Labor Day observances, according to Ohio History. President Grover Cleveland signed it into law in 1894, declaring the first Monday in September as the official day to celebrate it.
Ohio first recognized the holiday in the early 1890s, along with several other states, according to Ohio History. The first Labor Day celebration to occur was in New York City on Sept. 5, 1882, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. It was led by the Central Labor Union, an early trade union recognized as the first integrated group of its kind in the U.S.
Oregon became the first state to pass a law recognizing Labor Day on Feb. 21, 1887, five years after Central Labor Union's celebration took place.
Today, people often celebrate Labor Day with festivities that include outdoor cookouts and parades honoring local trade and labor organizations.
The Ohio man deemed the 'father of Labor Day'
Greene County native James Kyle is considered the "father of Labor Day."
The U.S. Senator sponsored the bill that officially recognized Labor Day as a national holiday, according to Cedarville University. The village of Cedarville, Ohio, where Kyle was born, displays a sign recognizing the senator who died in 1901.
Remaining federal holidays in 2024
Here's a look at the remaining federal holidays left on the 2024 calendar:
Labor Day: Sept. 2.
Columbus Day: Oct. 14.
Veterans Day: Nov. 11.
Thanksgiving Day: Nov. 28.
Christmas Day: Dec. 25.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: When is Labor Day 2024? What does it celebrate? Everything to know
