Oregon was the first state in the early 20th century to recognize Labor Day, and by 1890, almost ten years after the first announcement (from Oregon), came acknowledgements from Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York. A few years later Connecticut, Nebraska and Pennsylvania joined the movement, and on June 28th, 1894, Congress passed the bill that we honor today, making the first Monday in September what we now know as Labor Day.
While there remains a lively debate about exactly when and by whom Labor Day was unofficially founded, what is not up for debate is that it was a day proposed to acknowledge the labor of workers like carpenters, nurses, trades men and women, secretaries, and more. Today, Labor Day is recognized as a day to have off, to appreciate those in the service industry, and spend time with family and friends, usually with music, a grill, and hot dogs and hamburgers.
Labor Day is a time to recognize the economic and civic workforce in the United States, and right here in Connecticut, too—to acknowledge those workers who keep the country moving, like our HVAC workers, our plumbers, grocery clerks, gas station attendants, electricians, and more. According to a report published last month by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 162 million Americans were employed. You can read more about the unemployment rate within the report.
With election season upon us, it’s important to remember (especially when we can become a bit too divisive) that many of the people who are elected into office are people whose hearts are long committed to serving and helping others.
Like David Chess, our mayor, whose professional trajectory first led him to become a doctor, and who now spends his days working for the residents of Stratford. He serves as our fourth mayor since the mayor-council system of town government was adopted in 2005. And we have residents of Stratford who are running for positions within our government as elected officials. Troy Garguilo, who is an HVAC technician by trade, is running for state representative for the 120th district. He is running for the same district that Kaitlyn Shake, a trained nurse, has represented since 2024, after defeating Laura Dancho.
Many have come to think of the Labor Day holiday as just a farewell to summer, as kids start back to school. We hope that when you celebrated with your hot dogs, hamburgers, friends, family, and sunshine, you also toasted the labor of those around you for the good work they do the other 364 days a year. Cheers!
