Labor Day, always the first Monday in September, is a yearly, national acknowledgement of the contributions American workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

This holiday was first celebrated in 1882 in New York City as a "workingman's holiday," complete with a parade of 10,000 workers. Over the next 12 years, Labor Day celebrations spread through half the country. By 1894, Congress passed an act that made Labor Day a legal holiday.

Today, many Americans view Labor Day as the unofficial end to summer. Celebrate with cookouts, parades, or a weekend getaway. At the least, send free Labor Day eCards to family and friends. Happy Labor Day!