This commentary was originally posted on August 29, 2013. It is just a reminder of the significance of this day on so many levels. The change of seasons, weather and sports, the history and the reasons for the day, and why it is cherished by us as Americans are highlighted. And remember, it is time to close the pool!!
Enjoy!
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Summer Falls Down
Wow! Where did the summer go!?! It seems like only yesterday many of us opened our pools, dragged out the grills, planned the summer vacation. And now, it's time to pack it all away.
Yes, Friends, it's Labor Day weekend, the last unofficial hurrah to summer. I know the climatological end won't come for another three weeks, but soon, the kids will be well back to school, the days and nights will feel more brisk, and the NFL and NCAA will be dominating our sports.
Trees will begin their spectacular annual displays of color and we will be drinking apple cider, alcoholic or not, for the special taste of autumn. We will be decorating our homes with fall foliage, taking weekend jaunts to the country to pick pumpkins and cooking squash or baking pumpkin pie.
But, why is Labor Day, really? Well, in 1882, depending on the story you accept as true, either Matthew Maguire of the CLU or Peter McGuire of the AFL proposed the holiday to celebrate union workers' contributions to the American society. By 1894, after the tragedies of the Pullman Strike, President Grover Cleveland signed legislation making the first Monday in September a Federal holiday.
Other days were considered, as well, including International Workers Day and May Day, but were decided against due to the nascent communist, socialist and anarchist movements of the time associating with these dates.
So, folks, it's time to stop wearing the seersucker suits and the white pants and dresses. After Monday, you will not be the fashionista you are today, if you defy acceptable fashion sense by continuing to do so. Remember to set the TV this Saturday for college football and next Thursday for the start of the march to the Super Bowl.
And I'll take a mug of pumpkin ale with a slice of the pumpkin pie, thanks!
Posted by Frank McHale at 5:58 AM
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