Today is LaborDay, our nation's first and only union sponsored holiday . . . . and a well deserved celebration of American values and hard work.

Ever Wonder Why America Celebrates Labor Day? Here Are Its Origins  read article here.

• Labor Day became official on a federal level when former President Grover Cleveland signed the law making it a national holiday.
• The declaration came after major chaos in Illinois, which even became violent, from workers fighting for fair pay and conditions.
• The unrest came as factory workers faced long hours, few days off if any, and dangerous work environments.

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While many Americans see Labor Day as an early day off school or long weekend spent eating hamburgers, drinking beer and swimming in the pool before it closes, its origins were chaotic.
There is some dispute over the exact point in history Labor Day became an idea, but it goes back in part to Manhattan on Sept. 5, 1882, when the Central Labor Union and thousands of workers went on strike as they paraded through the city.

Twelve years later, a bloody demonstration displayed even more unrest among workers in Pullman, Illinois.
The Chicago company town was founded by George Pullman, president of the Pullman railroad sleeping car, for the workers who manufactured his products. Assembly workers lived in row houses, managers lived in modest Victorian-style homes and Pullman lived in a lavish hotel, according to PBS.

 From "Time and date . com :"  The first Labor Day was held in 1882. Its origins stem from the desire of the Central Labor Union to create a holiday for workers. It became a federal holiday in 1894. It was originally intended that the day would be filled with a street parade to allow the public to appreciate the work of the trade and labor organizations. After the parade, a festival was to be held to amuse local workers and their families. In later years, prominent men and women held speeches. This is less common now, but is sometimes seen in election years. One of the reasons for choosing to celebrate this on the first Monday in September, and not on May 1, which is common in the rest of the world, was to add a holiday in the long gap between Independence Day and Thanksgiving.