The Father of Labor Day, Peter J. McGuire

[MoseyWalker]

A not-so-brief history:

(Thank you Mr. McGuire)

http://info.detnews.com/history/story/index.cfm?id=150&category=business

History has almost forgotten Peter McGuire, an Irish-American cabinet maker and pioneer unionist who proposed a day dedicated to all who labor. Old records describe him as a red-headed, fiery, eloquent leader of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners.

The Father of Labor Day, Peter J. McGuire of New York City, in 1882 introduced the idea for the holiday.

McGuire introduced his idea formally at a meeting of the Central Labor Union on May 18,1882. "Let us have, a festive day during which a parade through the streets of the city would permit public tribute to American Industry," he said.

The following September New York workers staged a parade up Broadway to Union Square. Few, if any, workers got the day off. Most were warned against marching in the parade with the threat of getting fired. Despite the warning, more than 10,000 workers showed up for the march. Led by mounted police, bricklayers in white aprons paraded with a band playing "Killarney." The marchers passed a reviewing stand crowded with Knights of Labor: a holiday was born. McGuire's holiday moved across the country as slowly as did recognition of the rights of the working man.

much more -

[MoseyWalker]

1. Is Labor Day now only a day for cookouts and family get togethers?

:shrug:

[Telly Savalas]

2. The Reason for the Season

One of the rights of the Working Person which should be recognized on Labour Day is the right to have periodic three-day weekends which involve no obligations other than that of chilling out, which for many involves cookouts and family get togethers.

A toast to the union women and men who earned us the freedom to exercise this right.

[MoseyWalker]

3. Thanks, and

you are absolutely right about that!

:toast: :thumbsup: