A Monday off, the chance to relax, head out of town for a long weekend, or catch up on projects around the house: Labor Day is always met with open arms. This year — like many of our 3 day weekends in 2020 — it is being celebrated differently. Travel restrictions are still in place in different areas, and others might not feel comfortable socializing or heading out of town.
If Labor Day is a celebration of the American worker, there is a bittersweet tinge to this year’s holiday. COVID-19’s impact on the economy, increased unemployment, and furloughed workers adds a melancholy twist to a holiday that is usually a celebration of the American worker’s hard work and an excuse to go out of town or lounge by the pool.
The U.S. Department of Labor states: “Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.”
Labor Day was first celebrated on Tuesday September 5, 1882 by the Central Labor Union. A few years later, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making it a national holiday in 1894.
How are you celebrating your Labor Day? Building a raised garden box, scrolling through home improvement projects or recipes on Pinterest, exploring a local hike, or staying in the air conditioning to get through the latest heat wave?
With coronavirus affecting this year’s Labor Day plans, we recommend reviewing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID before going to the beach, pool, or a friend’s house.
Check out CDC resources here:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/beaches-pools.html
