America's Labor Day, from the Department of Labor

"The History of Labor Day"
United States Department of Labor

"Labor Day: How it Came About; What it Means

"Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

"Founder of Labor Day

"More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers...."

The DOL mini-history narrows credit for the founding of labor day down to two people: Peter McGuire or Matthew Maguire. Which suggests something to the Lemming: Maybe it was somebody named Peter Matthew Maguire?

Never mind.

The important thing is that Labor Day has been a major national holiday for over a century now: a time to kick back, relax, decide whether or not to pay attention to some guy making a speech, and enjoy the unofficial last day of summer.

Oh, right: American workers. Hip-hip-hurray and all that. The Lemming's been one, and by and large we're okay.