Did you know that America celebrates you? You, as in you, the American worker.  Every year, the first weekend of September rolls around, and America gives the nod to the backbone that keeps her steady and moving.

As Labor Day once again creeps up, what do you really know about the holiday? Listed below are some trivia questions to test your Jeopardy skills – the answers are at the bottom, so no peeking ahead. But if you need to consult Google, then feel free. (It’s not cheating – it’s using your resources.)

  1. When was Labor Day first celebrated?
  2. Who fathered the idea of Labor Day?
  3. When did Labor Day become a federal holiday?
  4. Which President signed it into law?
  5. Labor Day marks the beginning of which sports season?

Due to COVID-19, Labor Day feels a little different this year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate is at 10.2 percent, which totals an estimated 16.3 million workers. The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis published statistics showing that roughly only 50% of the able-to-work-population is actually working.

Those who are working do so under the stress and strain of valid health concerns and fears.

So perhaps this year, more than ever before, it is vital to take the time to recognize the efforts, work, and time that the American labor force undertakes. Both in ordinary and in pandemic times, the American worker takes the extra shift, goes the extra mile, and does the extra work to build., and run the companies, manufacturing plants, and industries that make our economy strong.

To celebrate the worker bees in your life, give these tasty Sweet-N-Spicy Chicken Wings a try. You won’t be sorry! (See ingredients below and click here for instructions.)

Ingredients:
1/4 cup chili powder
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 pounds air-chilled chicken wings (about 24), split at the joint, wingtips removed and discarded
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, cut into wedges

At Gillman Services, Inc., we are so thankful for all of those in the American labor force. Assisting you is our purpose. If you have any questions about employment needs within the commercial, industrial, mining, manufacturing, and marine construction industries, give us a call today. Our team stands at your service.

Below are the trivia answers as promised above:

  1. The first Labor Day Parade was on September 5th, 1882, in New York City.
  2. Historians debate between two men…Matthew Maguire and Peter McGuire. Tradesmen from competing unions, both are tied to that first parade in 1882. Their similar names haven’t helped the debate very much.
  3. Labor Day was made a federal holiday in 1894.
  4. It was signed into law by President Grover Cleveland.
  5. Labor Day kicks off the NFL season.