We hope everyone is having a safe and fun Labor Day on their Monterey Boat! Have you ever wondered why we celebrate Labor Day or how it became a federal holiday?

Labor Day celebrates the working American and is traditionally observed with an array of parties, parades and various athletic events. It also symbolizes the end of summer.

There are conflicting ideas on who first proposed the Labor Day holiday. Some say it was in 1882 when Matthew Maguire, a machinist and secretary for New York’s Central Labor Union expressed an idea for the holiday, while others credit Peter J. McGuire.

Labor Day did not become a federal holiday until 1894 when President Cleveland expedited the signing of the law six days after the end of the famous Pullman Strike.  The law was unanimously approved since the United States Congress feared further conflict with labor unions.

Click through today’s photo album to view a few of the most popular Labor Day festivities! Are you celebrating Labor Day on your Monterey Boat? Remember to send photos to our Monterey Boats Facebook page!