Labor Day and Other September Observances

September is a month that represents the end of summer and beginning of fall for most individuals. It has metamorphosed over the years, losing its "Back to School" status and "fall is in the air" ambiance. Regardless, there are reasons to celebrate during September. Labor Day may be the only day you know to look forward to in September, but there are other less-known, sometimes forgotten days to recognize as well. Take a look and add a few to your Outlook calendar!

Labor Day Holiday - First Monday in September

Labor Day is a U.S. Federal Holiday, and the most widely observed holiday for government and businesses in September. The U.S. Department of Labor explains the holiday as follows, "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."

It is reported that there is controversy over who originated the idea for this holiday. Some give credit to Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, and others believe Matthew Maguire to be its founder, a machinist at the time, later to become the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson.

The very first Labor Day was observed Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City. Adoption of the holiday went through municipal and state movements, pushed by the labor organizations. As outlined on the U.S. Department of Labor's website, Congress passed a bill making it a legal, federal holiday on June 28, 1894.

Americans celebrate the holiday through parades, street festivals, family barbeques and parties.

Newspaper Carrier Day - September 4th

According to the Holiday Insights website, this day honors those that are, or ever were, newspaper carriers. There have been "paperboys" as far back as the early 1800s, and they claim that the first newspaper carrier was 10 year old Barney Flaherty, hired September 10, 1833. I challenge you to find a paper "boy" these days, as most people who distribute newspapers are adults driving through neighborhoods in vehicles. Today this is more of a commemorative day and a slice of nostalgia. With what's happening in the newspaper industry, we should observe this day before newspapers become completely obsolete!

Grandparents Day - First Sunday after Labor Day

This day originated in 1978 and was declared a holiday by Jimmy Carter, who was the U.S. President at the time. According to the National Grandparents Day website, the idea originated with Marian McQuade, a housewife in West Virginia. Her primary interest was to bring focus to the elderly in nursing homes who were lonely. It's a day to spend time with grandparents and elderly relatives, and give them that hug they deserve!

National Pet Memorial Day - Second Sunday in September

Established by the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Cremoratories(IAPC), this day is dedicated to remembering the pets we have lost and bringing closure to our recently departed furry and feathery friends. Looks like in some years this day coincides with Grandparent's day, so plan this Sunday carefully, so you don't get your flowers mixed up!

Remembrance of 9/11/01 - September 11th

While not an official holiday, this day should be on all American's calendars in September. Display an American flag, wear red, white and blue, or tie ribbons around your trees in the front yard. We need to solemnly remember what we won't ever forget.

Uncle Sam Day - September 13th

Holiday Insights website gives us background on how this day originated, providing two stories. One is that in 1812 supplies provided to soldiers in New York were stamped "US" and came from a supplier named "Samuel Wilson" and the soldiers starting referring to him as "Uncle Sam". The second story is attributed to American Immigrants, whose Gaelic language translated "United Stares of America" to "Stáit Aontaithe Mheiriceá", abbreviated "SAM".

"Uncle Sam Day became official in 1989, when a joint resolution of Congress designated September 13 "Uncle Sam Day". This date was selected, as "Uncle Sam" Wilson was born on September 13, 1776.

Mexican Independence Day - September 16^th

Our friends across our Southern Border celebrate this day as their true independence day from Spain, holding parades and fiestas countrywide. Many Americans mistakenly believe Cinco deMayo is Mexico's Independence Day, but this day in September is the actual day the Mexican people recognize. Now that you know this, you can throw two Fiestas, using Cinco de Mayo decorations twice a year!

National Good Neighbor Day - September 28^th

The idea for a day to reach out our hands to neighbors and get to know them started back in the 1970's by Mrs. Becky Mattson from Lakeside, Montana. She was successful in getting proclamations issued by three presidents: Nixon, Ford, and Carter. Montana Senator Max Baucus sponsored the resolution again in 2003, which was passed by the U.S. Senate.

Be sure to have plenty of sugar on hand for good neighbor day!

Ask a Stupid question day - September 28^th

This is a day recognized by many teachers and students on either September 28 or the last school day in September. This holiday started in the 1980's, encouraging students to ask questions telling them, "there is no such thing as a stupid question."

Come on, you know you have one! For chuckles, check out Boston.com's slideshow, "I'm with Stupid." By Nicole Cammorata. Ms. Cammorata has compiled "stupid" questions in her slideshow in honor of this day, and even offers you the opportunity to ask one of your own!

Well, there you have it. September has something for everyone: American workers, grandparents, pets, newspaper boys, patriotic types, fiesta seekers, neighbors and stupid questions. It's no longer just that boring month between summer and the end-of-year holidays anymore, is it?

Resources:

Holiday Insights Website
Wikipedia - "Labor Day" and "September Observances"
U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
Grandparent's Day Website
Boston.com

Note: A list of federally observed holidays can be found on the website of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.