Labor Day

Labor Day is a holiday to celebrate workers and their major contributions to society. Laborers are the
backbone of society, and it became important to have a dedicated event to honor them.

Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September in the United States and Canada. During
the holiday, people often celebrate with time off, parades, speeches, and even political rallies!

But how did this thoughtful holiday come to be? There is some disagreement about the matter.
Many believe it was due to a union leader named Peter J. McGuire. In the late 1800s, McGuire
recommended to a union that there be a holiday to celebrate workers. On September 5, 1882, there
was a parade held in New York City. Some 10,000 workers attended. There were many trades present
at the march, like seamstresses, bricklayers, and carpenters. The Knights of Labor sponsored the
march and later suggested that the first Monday in September be Labor Day.

It wasn't until 12 years later, on June 28, 1894, that the holiday was legalized.
Due to workers' riots on May Day, U.S. President Grover Cleveland introduced a bill to make
Labor Day a national holiday. The bill was signed into law in June of that year.

On top of parades and political rallies, the holiday is also celebrated with family get-togethers
and barbecues, often marking the end of summer.

1. What is the purpose of Labor Day?

to unionize workers
to celebate workers
to train workers
to legalize workers

2. According to the text, what was the origin of Labor Day?

a union leader recommended the holiday

the president suggested the holiday
a union leader legalized the holiday
the president legalized the holiday

3. According to the text, how do people celebrate Labor Day?

with fireworks
with laws
with parades and rallies
with certain colors

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