When is Labor Day 2024? What to know about significance behind the national holiday

Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer
·2 min read
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Labor Day is coming up, and for many of us that means time off work and a three-day weekend.

This federal holiday comes next in line following the recently celebrated Independence Day, which was on July 4th. Here is what to know about the last national holiday of the summer season.

Avoid the confusion: When is Memorial Day? When is Labor Day? The difference between the 2 holidays

When is Labor Day 2024?

This year's annual Labor Day will be observed on Monday, Sep 2, 2024. Each year, Labor Day falls on the first Monday in September, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

What is Labor Day, and why is it important?

Labor Day honors the efforts of the American workforce, and celebrates the achievements of workers across the country, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. It highlights the significance of workers’ rights for workers, union members and advocates.

What is the history of Labor Day?

Activists during the late 1800s wanted a day to recognize the contributions made by the workers, and eventually more and more states adopted local Labor Day observances, according to Ohio History. President Grover Cleveland signed it into law in 1894, declaring the first Monday in September as the official day to celebrate it.

Ohio first recognized the holiday in the early 1890s, along with several other states, according to Ohio History. Since then, people have often celebrated Labor Day with festivities like parades and outdoor cookouts.

The Ohio man deemed 'The Father of Labor Day'

Looking forward to a three-day weekend at the end of summer? Thank Greene County native James Kyle, who is considered the "father of Labor Day."

The U.S. Senator sponsored the bill that officially recognized Labor Day as a national holiday, according to Cedarville University. The village of Cedarville, Ohio, where Kyle was born, displays a sign recognizing the senator who died in 1901.

Remaining federal holidays in 2024

With the Fourth of July in the rear view mirror, here's a look at the remaining federal holidays left on the 2024 calendar:

  • Labor Day: Sept. 2

  • Columbus Day: Oct. 14

  • Veterans Day: Nov. 11

  • Thanksgiving Day: Nov. 28

  • Christmas Day: Dec. 25

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: When is Labor Day 2024? Facts about the Ohio ties to the holiday