LABOR DAY: Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, “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.

“Before it was a federal holiday, Labor Day was recognized by labor activists and individual states. After municipal ordinances were passed in 1885 and 1886, a movement developed to secure state legislation. 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.

“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.”

How do you mark Labor Day? Do you take it as a day of rest, or use it as one last hurrah of summer? Barbecuing, swimming, going to a beach or theme park, shopping sales, going to parades or festivals — the three-day weekend can be busy.

Whatever you do, stay safe and be responsible. Have a hotdog — after all, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, around 800 hotdogs are consumed every second!