Exactly what is sounds like - it's a day that honors the laborers of the country. In 1893, a railroad strike in Illinois turned violent, several laborers died at the hands of the US military and police. As a result, politicians started to promote the day more in order to relieve the tensions felt from this incident.

This event only intensified trade and labor organizations that were popular. Eventually, the people wanted a day to celebrate the strength of the working person, so they took an unpaid day off to march around. Eventually politicians got on board and Labor Day was an official holiday by 1894.

The popularity of these unions increased due to the protections that they offered workers' rights. By 1950, nearly half of all American workers were part of a union or labor organization. Though membership today has decreased to less than 15 percent, some organizations still remain strong and representative of some the most respected and necessary careers. You might know a union member if the person is a:

• police officer
• firefighter
• teacher
• actor
• musician
• nurse

So when people are sitting around enjoying their barbeque food on Monday, take a moment to remind everyone why we have a day off. After all, without laborers, how would we know when summer officially ends?

What can you do?

Promote your idea for spreading the word on labor rights.

Screen a video that outlines the labor rights movement and why it's important.