Labor Day
September/02/2024
Labor Day Legislation
The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed in 1885 and 1886. From these, a movement developed to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During 1887, four more states – Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York – created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.
Founder of Labor Day
More than a century after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.
Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."
But Peter McGuire's place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.
The First Labor Day
The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.
By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September of each year a national holiday.
A Nationwide Holiday
The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take was outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.
The character of the Labor Day celebration has changed in recent years, especially in large industrial centers where mass displays and huge parades have proved a problem. This change, however, is more a shift in emphasis and medium of expression. Labor Day addresses by leading union officials, industrialists, educators, clerics, and government officials are given wide coverage in newspapers, radio, and television.
The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pays tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership – the American worker.
The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed in 1885 and 1886. From these, a movement developed to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During 1887, four more states – Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York – created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.
Founder of Labor Day
More than a century after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.
Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."
But Peter McGuire's place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.
The First Labor Day
The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.
By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September of each year a national holiday.
A Nationwide Holiday
The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take was outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.
The character of the Labor Day celebration has changed in recent years, especially in large industrial centers where mass displays and huge parades have proved a problem. This change, however, is more a shift in emphasis and medium of expression. Labor Day addresses by leading union officials, industrialists, educators, clerics, and government officials are given wide coverage in newspapers, radio, and television.
The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pays tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership – the American worker.
The History of Daylight Saving Time
March/10/2024
Does Everyone Observe the Time Change?
There are exceptions, however. The U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands do not observe daylight saving time, nor does the state of Hawaii. In the lower 48, only Arizona does not use DST. However, the Navajo Nation, located within Arizona, does, while the Hopi Reservation, located within the Navajo Nation, does not. In most places, an extra hour of daylight saves on fuel used to heat and illuminate homes and businesses. This was not the case in Arizona where consumption of energy skyrocketed with even one extra hour of daylight. So after the first year, most of Arizona opted out of Daylight Saving Time.
Indiana mandated Daylight Saving Time observance in 2006. Before that, some counties in the state changed their clocks while the others didn’t – compounding the confusion in a state spread across two time zones.
Canada and Mexico change their clocks, although there are some regional exceptions and slight differences in Daylight Saving Time start and end dates. Much of the European Union uses Daylight Saving Time, for now. There is talk of abandoning the practice, as some European countries not in the EU, and Russia, have already done. In the Southern Hemisphere, countries that practice Daylight Saving Time spring back and fall forward. Most Asian and African nations do not use Daylight Saving Time at all.
Are We Gaining or Losing an Hour?
Twice a year, most people find themselves wondering, how does daylight saving time work? In the spring, we “spring forward,” moving our clocks ahead one hour so that 1:59 a.m. turns not to 2 a.m. as usual but to 3 a.m., skipping—or losing—an hour. Most people don’t think about it, as they are asleep, but this spring day is only 23 hours long.
In the fall, when we “fall back,” the clocks go from 1:59 a.m. back to 1 a.m. instead of to the usual 2 a.m., repeating—or gaining—an hour. This fall day is 25 hours long, and the hour between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. repeats. That means if a baby is born at, say, 1:45 a.m.—or if for some reason you’re awake and have something scheduled at that time—it’s important to specify at which 1:45 a.m. the birth or event is taking place.
How Does Daylight Saving Time Work?
Of course, Daylight Saving Time does not have any effect on the sun or the changing of the seasons. It simply alters the way we experience those aspects of nature through our clocks and calendars. By shifting those points in the day when we decide it’s time to get up, go to work, and eat dinner, we can have slightly more daylight hours toward the end of our days. This is the case for nearly eight months out of the year.
When it comes to how does daylight saving time work, the simplest facts are:
What Are the Pros and Cons of Daylight Saving Time?
Daylight Saving Time feels entrenched in our society, but it is not without controversy, and it is not a given. Countries have been known to give it up entirely, even decades after implementing it. More are likely to follow, as further research evaluates the benefits and drawbacks of this regular hiccup in our schedules.
Historically, advocates for Daylight Saving Time have said it saves energy. With more daylight, people use less electricity to light their homes and spend less time running appliances. Some say it reduces traffic accidents. When it’s lighter later, the reasoning goes, we spend less time commuting in the dark.
Other celebrated aspects of Daylight Saving Time range from the wholesome to the financial:
Detractors also claim that adjusting to the time change interrupts our natural cycles of sleep, leading to fatigue, a greater susceptibility to illness, and even a brief increase in heart attacks. Interestingly, despite the common belief that DST was instituted to benefit farmers, the agriculture industry fought against the switch when it was first introduced. Having to adjust to the clock, rather than work with the sun as usual, disrupted their routines with detrimental effects. Many farmers still oppose it today.
Why is the Time Change So Confusing?
Although many contest the perks and drawbacks of Daylight Saving Time, no one disputes the time change is confusing – and not just because it might make you late for a morning meeting. In 1922, President Warren G. Harding issued an executive order mandating an earlier start for federal workers, while letting other employers in D.C. decide whether to join in. This effectively turned Washington into a city with no set schedule, and the resulting chaos was so overwhelming that Harding was forced to repeal his order.
Even today, there are aspects of life that don’t fit neatly into our manipulation of the clock. Amtrak trains running on the two nights of the year when Daylight Savings Time begins and ends have to be creative. They must either stop and wait for an hour or speed up and attempt to make up for lost time. And we can only guess what Benjamin Franklin would have thought of the headaches his idea now causes for airlines trying to schedule international flights. They juggle flight schedules among nearly 200 countries in different hemispheres, each with a quirky clock-changing system of its own.
What Else Should I Do When I Change My Clocks?
You’re probably familiar with the idea of changing the batteries in your smoke detectors every time you change your clocks. The International Association of Fire Chiefs has been advocating tying this life-saving task to that other twice-yearly chore for the past 30 years. It works because announcements about turning clocks forward or back are nearly unavoidable. And even if you do manage to miss the reminders, you’ll certainly notice the next day when your phones and computers have automatically adjusted themselves.
The time change is a good opportunity to complete other household tasks that should be done a few times a year. So what else might you link to your Daylight Saving Time fall and spring routines?
There are exceptions, however. The U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands do not observe daylight saving time, nor does the state of Hawaii. In the lower 48, only Arizona does not use DST. However, the Navajo Nation, located within Arizona, does, while the Hopi Reservation, located within the Navajo Nation, does not. In most places, an extra hour of daylight saves on fuel used to heat and illuminate homes and businesses. This was not the case in Arizona where consumption of energy skyrocketed with even one extra hour of daylight. So after the first year, most of Arizona opted out of Daylight Saving Time.
Indiana mandated Daylight Saving Time observance in 2006. Before that, some counties in the state changed their clocks while the others didn’t – compounding the confusion in a state spread across two time zones.
Canada and Mexico change their clocks, although there are some regional exceptions and slight differences in Daylight Saving Time start and end dates. Much of the European Union uses Daylight Saving Time, for now. There is talk of abandoning the practice, as some European countries not in the EU, and Russia, have already done. In the Southern Hemisphere, countries that practice Daylight Saving Time spring back and fall forward. Most Asian and African nations do not use Daylight Saving Time at all.
Are We Gaining or Losing an Hour?
Twice a year, most people find themselves wondering, how does daylight saving time work? In the spring, we “spring forward,” moving our clocks ahead one hour so that 1:59 a.m. turns not to 2 a.m. as usual but to 3 a.m., skipping—or losing—an hour. Most people don’t think about it, as they are asleep, but this spring day is only 23 hours long.
In the fall, when we “fall back,” the clocks go from 1:59 a.m. back to 1 a.m. instead of to the usual 2 a.m., repeating—or gaining—an hour. This fall day is 25 hours long, and the hour between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. repeats. That means if a baby is born at, say, 1:45 a.m.—or if for some reason you’re awake and have something scheduled at that time—it’s important to specify at which 1:45 a.m. the birth or event is taking place.
How Does Daylight Saving Time Work?
Of course, Daylight Saving Time does not have any effect on the sun or the changing of the seasons. It simply alters the way we experience those aspects of nature through our clocks and calendars. By shifting those points in the day when we decide it’s time to get up, go to work, and eat dinner, we can have slightly more daylight hours toward the end of our days. This is the case for nearly eight months out of the year.
When it comes to how does daylight saving time work, the simplest facts are:
- Daylight Saving Time in the United States begins at 2 a.m. on the second Sunday in March.
- Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday in November.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Daylight Saving Time?
Daylight Saving Time feels entrenched in our society, but it is not without controversy, and it is not a given. Countries have been known to give it up entirely, even decades after implementing it. More are likely to follow, as further research evaluates the benefits and drawbacks of this regular hiccup in our schedules.
Historically, advocates for Daylight Saving Time have said it saves energy. With more daylight, people use less electricity to light their homes and spend less time running appliances. Some say it reduces traffic accidents. When it’s lighter later, the reasoning goes, we spend less time commuting in the dark.
Other celebrated aspects of Daylight Saving Time range from the wholesome to the financial:
- Children have more time to play outside.
- Adults have more time to shop and stimulate local economies.
- More daylight provides more time for events, giving a financial boost to the sports and recreation industries.
Detractors also claim that adjusting to the time change interrupts our natural cycles of sleep, leading to fatigue, a greater susceptibility to illness, and even a brief increase in heart attacks. Interestingly, despite the common belief that DST was instituted to benefit farmers, the agriculture industry fought against the switch when it was first introduced. Having to adjust to the clock, rather than work with the sun as usual, disrupted their routines with detrimental effects. Many farmers still oppose it today.
Why is the Time Change So Confusing?
Although many contest the perks and drawbacks of Daylight Saving Time, no one disputes the time change is confusing – and not just because it might make you late for a morning meeting. In 1922, President Warren G. Harding issued an executive order mandating an earlier start for federal workers, while letting other employers in D.C. decide whether to join in. This effectively turned Washington into a city with no set schedule, and the resulting chaos was so overwhelming that Harding was forced to repeal his order.
Even today, there are aspects of life that don’t fit neatly into our manipulation of the clock. Amtrak trains running on the two nights of the year when Daylight Savings Time begins and ends have to be creative. They must either stop and wait for an hour or speed up and attempt to make up for lost time. And we can only guess what Benjamin Franklin would have thought of the headaches his idea now causes for airlines trying to schedule international flights. They juggle flight schedules among nearly 200 countries in different hemispheres, each with a quirky clock-changing system of its own.
What Else Should I Do When I Change My Clocks?
You’re probably familiar with the idea of changing the batteries in your smoke detectors every time you change your clocks. The International Association of Fire Chiefs has been advocating tying this life-saving task to that other twice-yearly chore for the past 30 years. It works because announcements about turning clocks forward or back are nearly unavoidable. And even if you do manage to miss the reminders, you’ll certainly notice the next day when your phones and computers have automatically adjusted themselves.
The time change is a good opportunity to complete other household tasks that should be done a few times a year. So what else might you link to your Daylight Saving Time fall and spring routines?
- Along with smoke alarms, change the batteries in carbon monoxide detectors and any other safety monitors in your house.
- Flip your mattresses and wash your pillows.
- Check your home and auto emergency kits to make sure you’re prepared for a storm or power outage.
- Replace air filters to help ensure heating and air conditioning systems are running efficiently.
- Declutter your bathroom and kitchen and get rid of expired food, products and medicines.
- Deep clean anything that isn’t part of your regular cleaning routine, like the oven.
New Year's Eve
December/28/2023
United States
Crowds gather in Times Square to attend the ball drop at midnight each year
In the United States, New Year's Eve is celebrated via a variety of social gatherings, and large-scale public events such as concerts, fireworks shows, and "drops"—an event inspired by time balls where an item is lowered or raised over the course of the final minute of the year.
Drop events are typically patterned after the annual "ball drop" held at New York City's Times Square, where a 5,400-kilogram (11,875 lb), 3.7-metre-diameter (12 ft) ball is lowered down a 21-metre-high (70 ft) pole on the roof of One Times Square. The event has been held since 1907, and the ball itself—which is adorned with Waterford Crystal panels and an LED lighting system—has been displayed atop the building year-round since 2009. Drop events often use either a ball in imitation of Times Square, or items that represent local culture or history (such as Atlanta's Peach Drop, which reflects Georgia's identity as the "Peach State").
New York City and Times Square serve as the focal point for national media coverage of the holiday. Bandleader Guy Lombardo and his band—The Royal Canadians—were well known for their annual broadcast from New York City. Their signature performance of "Auld Lang Syne" at midnight helped make the standard synonymous with the holiday. Beginning on radio in 1929, Lombardo moved to CBS television from 1956 to 1976, adding coverage of the ball drop.
Following Lombardo's death, Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve (which premiered for 1973 on NBC, and moved to ABC for 1975) became the dominant New Year's Eve special on U.S. television—especially among younger viewers—with Dick Clark having anchored New Year's coverage (including New Year's Rockin' Eve and the one-off ABC 2000 Today) for 32 straight years. After Clark suffered a stroke in December 2004, Regis Philbin guest hosted the 2005 edition. Due to a lingering speech impediment brought upon by the stroke, Clark retired as host and was succeeded by Ryan Seacrest for 2006, but continued making limited appearances on the special until his death in 2012.
Other notable New Year's events are held in New York besides those in Times Square; since 1984, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Manhattan has hosted the annual "New Year's Eve Concert for Peace", which was founded in 1984 by composer Leonard Bernstein. The New York Road Runners hosts a "Midnight Run" event at Central Park, which features a fireworks show and a footrace around the park that begins at midnight.
Other notable celebrations include the Las Vegas Strip's "America's Party", which consists of a ticketed concert event at the Fremont Street Experience, and a public fireworks show at midnight that is launched from various casino resorts on the Strip. Nashville has typically held concerts featuring country music performers and a music note drop; since 2021, the festivities have been televised by CBS as part of the special New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash.
Los Angeles, a city long without a major public New Year celebration, held an inaugural gathering in Downtown's newly completed Grand Park to celebrate the arrival of 2014. The event included food trucks, art installations, and culminated with a projection mapping show on the side of Los Angeles City Hall near midnight. The inaugural event drew over 25,000 spectators and participants. For 2016, Chicago introduced an event known as Chi-Town Rising. Since 2014–15, musician Pitbull has hosted a New Year's Eve concert at Miami's Bayfront Park (which was initially televised as a New Year's special on Fox, Pitbull's New Year's Revolution, until 2017–18).
Major theme parks also hold New Year's celebrations; Disney theme parks, such as Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida and Disneyland in Anaheim, California, are traditionally the busiest around the Christmas and New Year's holidays.
