Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day celebrates the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.

Do you know when Labor Day became an official holiday? And which State was first to recognize it as an official holiday?  New York was the first state to introduce a bill, but Oregon was the first to pass a law recognizing Labor Day, on February 21, 1887. During 1887, four more states – Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York – passed laws creating a Labor Day holiday. 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.

Many of us look at Labor Day weekend as the "end of summer," even though that's still a few weeks away. In any event, NO meeting this Friday - enjoy family, food and fun this Labor Day weekend and we'll see you Friday, September 5.