According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Labor Day was rooted in the late 19th century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions that workers have made to America's strength, prosperity and well-being. 

In fact, it is from the 19th century where some of our Labor Day traditions originate:

• Parades. According to the National Geographic, the first parade was held prior to Congress legalizing the holiday, back when New York City union leaders took unpaid time off to march through the city streets.
• Picnics and fireworks. While marching the streets of New York City, the union leaders would have picnics, watch fireworks and dance. 
• Not wearing white after Labor Day. The Farmer’s Almanac tells us that during this time the elite often got away to coastal cottages to signify the end of summer, whereas the average laborer had to get back to work around Labor Day. Those returning to work would switch back into their darker clothing in order to avoid staining their lighter colored garments, therefore making wearing white after Labor Day only for those in the elite social status. 

Although controversy surrounds as to who founded Labor Day, one thing is for sure—the Labor Day holiday was intended for the laboring class. As former CEO of Apple Steve Jobs said, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking, don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it.”

Labor Day can help us examine two areas in our personal life:

1. Our work. Just as Labor Day signified the hardworking class, the laborer, having a strong work ethic is important. This would include giving our best. Doing the right thing, especially when no one is looking. Doing things the right way the first time, even if corners could have been cut to get it done quicker.

2. Our service. Often, Labor Day can be confused with that of being a patriotic holiday, such as the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Veterans Day or even Flag Day. In a way, it is. Our servicemen and women work hard at protecting, defending and honoring our country. The Department of Veteran Affairs shares that “Labor Day is a good time to acknowledge the extraordinary work done by our active duty service people to maintain a safe America.” This should include our veterans too. Whether thanking them for their service, volunteering at your local VA hospital or even facility such as the Fisher House in Salt Lake City, or serving in an area to give back within our own communities that our military women and men are protecting, defending and honoring every day.

As American speaker and author Earl Nightingale said, we are at our very best and we are happiest when we are fully engaged in work we enjoy on the journey toward the goal we've established for ourselves. It gives meaning to our time off and comfort to our sleep. It makes everything else in life so wonderful, so worthwhile.