Labor Day

In 1882, Peter J. McGuire, a leader of the labor union the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners (joiner being "a craftsman who constructs things by joining pieces of wood" or "a worker in wood who does more ornamental work than a carpenter") proposed a day to honor laborers. Laborers were considered a new class that worked in the factories and plants created by the Industrial Revolution. Labor Day became a national holiday on which workers in the 1890s and early 20th century used to call attention to their grievances. There were often parades, political speeches, fireworks, and a picnic. Today, Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday in September (as of 1894, by law), simply honors anyone who works. The date has no traditional or historic significance but was picked because it filled a gap in the schedule of legal holidays. Canada also celebrates Labor Day on the first Monday in September; many other countries observe this on May 1. 
Labor Day  Weekend (Saturday, Sunday and Monday) is generally regarded as the end of summer, even though the season does not officially end until September 21st. In the northern U.S. students generally go back to school in the week after Labor Day weekend. Labor Day weekend is often celebrated with last trips to the beach, barbecues and other festivities. Families with school-age children take it as the last chance to travel before the end of summer recess. Similarly, some teenagers and young adults view it as the last weekend for parties before returning to school. 

In U.S. sports, Labor Day marks the beginning of the NFL and college football seasons. NCAA teams usually plays their first games the week before Labor Day, with the NFL traditionally playing their first game the Thursday following Labor Day.