Started in the 19th century, Labor Day is a day set aside to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of United States workers The first Labor Day was celebrated Sept. 5, 1882, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The second was celebrated on the same day in 1883 and also planned by the Central Labor Union.
By the time it became a federal holiday in June 1894, more than 25 states had already begun to celebrate the holiday. President Grover Cleveland signed it into law.
There is a disagreement about who is the founder of Labor Day. According to some records, Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, first suggested a day to honor workers. There are other records that
indicate that Matthew Maguire, not Peter McGuire, was the holiday’s founder. Both men went to the first Labor Day parade, which was held in New York City.
Recent research supports the side of Matthew Maguire.
The holiday that salutes the American worker, is celebrated with parades, barbecues, fireworks displays and picnics. The holiday is also considered by many the traditional end of summer as it ushers in the back-to-school season. It’s celebrated in most cities and towns across the country.
The residents of Garland celebrate the holiday with a parade and activities in the downtown area. A variety of organizations and clubs, including high school bands and drill teams, Boy Scouts, pee-wee sports participants, elected officials and more ride in the parade.