Since the 1960s, the celebration of Labor Day in Alabama has changed.
It is still observed on the first Monday in September, which falls on September 7 this year. It has expanded into “Labor Day Weekend,” with activities and off-time often starting on Friday, making it a three or four-day holiday.
Nowadays, Labor Day weekend is often regarded as the unofficial end of summer and the start of fall. The beginning of college football season. A day for families to go to Alabama’s beaches or lakes, of which we are blessed with many.
For many families, Labor Day was their last outing before the start of school. While it is still a big outing day, the school year in Alabama has gradually expanded and starts in early August. School has been in session for two to three weeks before Labor Day.
When I was a kid, Alabama’s schools started right after Labor Day and ended around Memorial Day, toward the end of May. Part of the reason for the holiday bookends of the school year was the Alabama weather. It’s too hot in Alabama for school in August, and it is certainly hot for high school football practice and games.
Labor Day was traditionally dedicated to the achievements of American workers. The yearly tribute recognized the contributions that workers made to the strength and prosperity of Alabama and America.
Labor Day of yesteryear had a blue-collar tint. It tended to highlight the factory worker and the people who worked with their hands – “the working man.” Nowadays, it is more of an honor for all productive work.
All honest work is good work.
Whatsoever work you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.
Because I was involved in government, I have gone to Labor Day celebrations in Tuscumbia, Gadsden, the Birmingham area, Tuscaloosa and Mobile. Nowadays, those celebrations are not what they used to be. The crowds are not there. Even the workers mostly go elsewhere.
Labor Day is now more of a family affair. There is nothing wrong with that, it is just different than before. It’s not just Labor Day anymore, it’s Family Fun Day. A day off. A long weekend. Cookouts. Sales at many stores.
Labor Day was first celebrated in 1882 in New York City. In 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed into law the national holiday of Labor Day. Now, all states also honor Labor Day as a mandated holiday.
Labor Day used to be a time to reflect on the value Americans place on good old-fashioned hard work.
As we look toward the future of our great state and country, let us reflect on the words of the poet Maya Angelou: “Nothing will work unless you do.” Enjoy your Labor Day celebration. Enjoy the fruits of the labor of all working Alabamians.
Blessed Labor Day to all you producers who provide the goods and services, work the jobs, support the economy, and pay the taxes that fund our constitutional republic. You (we) deserve a day of rest and fun.
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler is a freelance writer about the colorful and positive in Alabama — her people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected].
