Labor Day is a national legal holiday that is over 100 years old. Over the years, it has evolved from a purely labor union celebration into an 'end of summer' holiday weekend.

It grew out of a celebration in 1882 in New York by the Knights of Labor to honor working class Americans. Oregon was the first state to declare Labor Day a state holiday celebrated in June 1887. That same year, Colorado, New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey, observed Labor Day on the first Monday in September. In 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a bill making Labor Day a national holiday.

Labor Day is now considered the "last fling of summer" holiday.  So, fire up the grill for a barbecue, pack a picnic lunch, take a dip in the swimming pool, cop a great bargain at one of the many department store sales, enjoy a Labor Day parade or go camping at one of the state parks.

Enjoy this summer-ending holiday, but remember the true meaning of Labor Day, a holiday honoring the American worker.