Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday of September, honors the contributions of American workers and the labor movement that helped shape modern workplace standards. Its origins trace back to the late 19th century, when industrial workers endured grueling hours, unsafe conditions, and minimal pay. In response, labor unions organized rallies and strikes demanding fair treatment. The first Labor Day parade took place in New York City on September 5, 1882, with 10,000 workers marching from City Hall to Union Square. By 1894, following a wave of labor unrest, President Grover Cleveland signed it into law as a federal holiday.

Today, Labor Day is both a tribute to those who fought for workers’ rights and a symbolic farewell to summer. As we pause to reflect and recharge, we’ll be back tomorrow with our Top 10 posts from the month of August—celebrating creativity, connection, and the stories that moved us most.