In 1894, the Labor Day holiday found itself embraced by an additional 23 states, culminating in a significant milestone on June 28, 1894, when President Grover Cleveland formally enshrined into law the observance of Labor Day on the first Monday of September each year, thereby establishing it as a national holiday in the United States. This annual commemoration of Labor Day, falling consistently on the initial Monday of September, stands as a cherished tradition within the nation, stemming from its roots deeply intertwined with the labor movement and the celebration of American workers. Across the country, citizens partake in jubilant festivities on Labor Day, marked by gatherings awaited by enthusiasts. Diverging from the international norm of observing Labor Day on May 1, both the United States and Canada have opted to position their respective Labor Day celebrations at the conclusion of summer. This deviation from the global convention can be attributed to two primary factors. Firstly, it endeavors to bridge the substantial gap between summer and autumn holidays, such as Independence Day and Thanksgiving. Secondly, it is rooted in historical circumstances dating back to May 1886 when a tragic explosion disrupted a labor rally in Chicago, transforming it into a catastrophic incident, known as the Haymarket Affair, where lives were tragically lost, including police officers and civilians. The name of this tragic event pays homage to the location of the ill-fated rally. In the aftermath of the Haymarket Affair, May 1 became associated with labor protests, and in some instances, violence. In an effort to disassociate from the shadow of this traumatic incident and to establish a more peaceful and cohesive observance of labor and workers' rights, both the labor movement and government authorities in the United States made the collective decision to institute Labor Day on a distinct date.
Thus, on June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland affixed his signature to the Labor Day bill, formally designating the first Monday in September as Labor Day. This deliberate choice of date was intended to sever any lingering associations with the Haymarket Affair and to accentuate the positive facets of the labor movement, uniting the nation in honoring the contributions and achievements of its workforce
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