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"But what is Labor Day?" asked Roshus, as he helped his mother pack the picnic basket. "Well, Roshus, many years ago - way back when Great Grandpa Bunny was about your age - there were some people who worked very hard to help build our country. They liked what they did, but some people felt there should be a special way to thank them. Just as I thank you when you put your plate in the sink, or help me in the garden, they wanted to find a way to say thank you for a job well done. Many people thought about how they could show appreciation for all of the workers, and someone, we think it was either Peter McGuire or Matthew Maguire, decided it would be nice to give them a day off and to have a parade and a picnic in their honor."
"I love parades," said Roshus, as he gathered plates and napkins to add to the basket. "When did they have the parade, Mama?" "Well, Son, some people wanted to have it in May, because that is when many other places honored their workers. They decided, though, to make it special by having it at the end of the summer. It would be a good time to relax and have fun before the children went back to school and would provide a time for celebration during the long period between the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving. So, they held the first Labor Day Parade in New York City on Tuesday, September 5, 1882. Over 10,000 people came to the parade and then went to Reservoir Park to have their picnics and play games."
"But, today is Monday," said Roshus, as he lifted the heavy basket and tried to carry it to the door. He had to rest it on his toes and shuffle his feet to get it to move. "That's right, Roshus," Momma said, as she took the basket and carried it to the car. "The first parade was held on a Tuesday. Later, they decided to move it to Monday so they could have one of those three day weekends we enjoy so much. In 1894, Congress decided to make it an official holiday and to celebrate it on the first Monday in September each year. "Right," said Roshus. "More time to swim, play and barbeque stuff before school starts."
"You know, Roshus," said Grandmother Bunny, as she brought out a cooler filled with ice cold drinks, "There are other traditions besides parades and picnics. Back when I was a young bunny, we couldn't wear white clothes after Labor Day, especially white shoes." "But, that's silly," laughed Roshus, as he munched a carrot chip cookie. "What difference does it make what color you wear? Why can't you wear it whenever you want? Even Mother Nature wears white after Labor Day. Snow white is one of my favorite colors!"
"Another tradition is one of my favorites," said Papa Bunny. "Football. The National Football League starts its season on Labor Day weekend. Then we know summer is really over, and it won't be long before we need to bundle up to sit in the bleachers and cheer for our favorite team." "You know," said Uncle Patrick Bunny. "Football is good, but my favorite starts then, too. NASCAR racing. That's the best. It's exciting knowing that once we get through Labor Day, it's off to the races." "You're right," smiled Grandma Bunny. "The parade is great. The picnic is fun. Football and NASCAR racing are exciting, but the best thing of all on Labor Day is the MDA Telethon. I sit up all night watching those stars helping other people. It makes me feel good."
"You know what makes me feel good?" asked Roshus, as he fastened his seat belt. "It makes me feel good to know we live in a country where we can decide for ourselves what to do on Labor Day. We can go to a parade, we can eat whatever we want and we can watch football, races or a telethon. Or, we can do something different if we don't like those. We can even wear white after Labor Day, if we want.
After the parade, Roshus helped his mother put the food on the table. As everyone gathered to give thanks for their food, family and freedom, Roshus added a little prayer of his own. "Please, God, bless those who don't get to take today off as they work to keep us safe. Bless those who still have to labor on Labor Day, and, God, please be sure their moms save them some carrot chip cookies."
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