The Woodward News

Local News

September 2, 2012

Celebrating Labor Day

Gary Engel Woodward News

Woodward, Okla. — How do many laborers celebrate Labor Day? They get a day off.  Seems appropriate, doesn't it? Not working to celebrate work?

Labor Day's origins go back to the late 1800s when labor unions were fighting to improve working conditions for American laborers while also recognizing the role those workers play in maintaining a productive society.

According to information on the Library of Congress "American Memory" website, the first Labor Day parade was held on Sept. 5, 1882, when thousands of New York City workers marched from city hall, past Union Square, then uptown to 42nd St. before gathering with family in Wendel's Elm Park for a picnic, concert and speeches.  For more information about this first labor day, visit http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ammem/today/sep05.html.

Several states were quick to follow New York's lead and recognize the holiday, and it eventually spread to the rest of the country. In 1894, Congress passed legislation to make Labor Day a national holiday.  Today, every state, the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories observe Labor Day on the first Monday of September.

Much like that first Labor Day celebration 130 years ago, many families today still enjoy gathering for picnics to celebrate the holiday.

However, what originally began as a forum for workers to both celebrate their accomplishments and air their grievances, has now become a time for enjoying one last day of summer, according to the "American Memory" website.



LOCAL LABOR DAY THOUGHTS

Dave Wallace, Woodward Regional Hospital Administrator, said Labor Day elicits a play on words for him, as a worker in the healthcare industry.

"I meet expectant new moms in the maternity department each day that have their own perspective on their  'labor day,'" he said.

The holiday may only come around once a year for the rest of the world, but Wallace said he gets to see the results of many more through observing the birthing process.

"Each one is a great family gathering to be a part of," said Wallace.

For the national holiday itself, Wallace said he grew up working hard in fields and pear packing sheds, and "I have been fortunate to have put my days of difficult labor behind me."

This Labor Day, he plans on spending extra time relaxing with his children and wife Kelly, "who had more than her share of excitement on her 3 labor days."





DAY OFF MOST IMPORTANT

Sandy Dryden said Labor Day's importance to her is getting a day off.  As a custodian at Woodward Middle School, she gets to celebrate many holidays with students.

Her husband Joe Dryden is often on call with the City of Woodward's pollution control department, so that means this Labor Day, the couple will be staying home.

"We've got things to do around here," she said. "Some 'honey-dos.'"

One task that's already done was the placing of the American flag outside their home along 20th St.

"We put the flag out every holiday to recognize the service of our veterans and what they do for our country," Sandy Dryden said, adding, "Joe is a veteran."

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