The first Labor Day was originally designated in the political proposal of the time as a public exhibition to recognize the strength and spirit of trade and labor organizations. Unless you are a big history buff the direct connection of this holiday to worker strikes, riots, and even deaths in an attempt to bring about better working conditions goes unrecognized; but for these very reasons in the late 1880’s emphasis was more on the political, economic, and civil origins of the holiday. Today the Labor Day holiday has come to signify the end of summer to most people and one of the last times they can relax, enjoy time off from work, and celebrate until the winter holidays roll around. Any political gatherings or speeches surrounding Labor Day have been moved to the “back burner” for the most part, unless of course it happens to be an election year. Whether your Labor Day celebration this year includes a picnic, barbecue, sporting event, or arts festival, try to remember to raise a glass in honor of the brave, hard working people of our nation’s past who through their perseverance and tenacity brought about a better workplace environment for all of us.