Annuity Alliance wanted to wish you a very relaxing Labor Day weekend as we get started to light up the barbecues, hang out with family and friends, and maybe even take a vacation to enjoy a lake or beach setting.

Why does the United States celebrate Labor Day? Labor Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States.

Sadly, some areas of the United States also know Labor Day as the unofficial last day of summer with fall weather and a change of leaves occurring in some regions. Go ahead and channel Don Henley’s “The Boys of Summer” as we all sing about the summer being gone.

Let’s hope for some positive times ahead as we transition to fall, kids head back to school, and hopefully see some relief from the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, and fluctuating economic conditions.

Here’s some Labor Day facts you may not know.

• As one of the most common paid holidays in the U.S., Business News Daily found that 97 percent of employers provide time off to at least some of their employees in observance of Labor Day. As many as 40 percent of businesses will remain open.
• The first-ever Labor Day happened on September 5, 1882 (in fact, 2021 marked the 125th anniversary of LDW) and began when members of New York’s Central Labor Union marched in protest of unsafe work conditions, but also to honor the benefits of the union. Approximately 10,000 workers marched from City Hall to 42nd Street in New York City.
• It's true that Canada did Labor Day first. While the U.S. didn't conceive of Labor Day until 1882, Canada started addressing the needs and rights of workers almost a decade prior.
• Labor Day is sometimes seen as the final time to wear white during the calendar year (that is, until the following May). While many people no longer choose to adhere to this antiquated style rule, some still abide by it and use Labor Day Weekend to pack away their white denim for the colder months.

Annuity Alliance hopes you found this information educational as we get ready for the long three-day weekend. We hope everyone will celebrate safely and find some time to relax and enjoy their Labor Day.