Labor Day Weekend, Pain, and Motorcycles Oh My! Sounds like the name of a funny movie, doesn’t it? Well, it sorta is, the movie of my life. for the past two days, I have been in a serious amount of pain in my left jaw, and ear which is why you didn’t hear from me on Wednesday, I couldn’t see to type straight. I hadn’t slept all night. Come to find out it is a gland and a tooth go figure. But enough about me! This weekend is Labor Day weekend and we all come here to talk about Motorcycles so let’s talk about motorcycles, shall we?
What is Labor Day?
Labor Day in the United States is a public holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September. It honors the American labor movement and the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, laws, and well-being of the country. It is the Monday of the long weekend known as Labor Day Weekend and it is considered the unofficial end of summer in the United States. It is recognized as a federal holiday.
Beginning in the late 19th century, as the trade union and labor movements grew, trade unionists proposed that a day is set aside to celebrate labor. “Labor Day” was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, which organized the first parade in New York City. In 1887, Oregon was the first state of the United States to make it an official public holiday. By the time it became an official federal holiday in 1894, thirty states in the United States officially celebrated Labor Day.
It’s Origin
Beginning in the late 19th century, as the trade union and labor movements grew, different groups of trade unionists chose a variety of days on which to celebrate labor. In the United States, a September holiday called Labor Day was first proposed in the early 1880s. Alternate stories of the event’s origination exist.
According to one early history of Labor Day, the event originated in connection with a General Assembly of the Knights of Labor convened in New York City in September 1882. In connection with this clandestine Knights assembly, a public parade of various labor organizations was held on September 5 under the auspices of the Central Labor Union (CLU) of New York. Secretary of the CLU Matthew Maguire is credited for first proposing that a national Labor Day holiday subsequently be held on the first Monday of each September in the aftermath of this successful public demonstration.
P. J. McGuire
P. J. McGuire, Vice President of the American Federation of Labor, is frequently credited as the father of Labor Day in the United States.
An alternative thesis is maintained that the idea of Labor Day was the brainchild of Peter J. McGuire, a vice president of the American Federation of Labor, who put forward the initial proposal in the spring of 1882. According to McGuire, on May 8, 1882, he made a proposition to the fledgling Central Labor Union in New York City that a day is set aside for a “general holiday for the laboring classes”.
According to McGuire he further recommended that the event should begin with a street parade as a public demonstration of organized labor’s solidarity and strength, with the march followed by a picnic, to which participating local unions could sell tickets as a fundraiser. According to McGuire, he suggested the first Monday in September as an ideal date for such a public celebration, owing to optimum weather and the date’s place on the calendar, sitting midway between the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving public holidays.
Labor Day picnics and other public gatherings frequently featured speeches by prominent labor leaders.
Motorcycles and Labor Day
But what about Motorcycles what is going on this weekend or what do we do, well there are various rallies that pop up in and around you, you just have to search for them. More than likely you already know about them. But here is some big news…..
Harley-Davidson is celebrating 115 years
This Labor Day weekend, Harley-Davidson is celebrating 115 years of riding with the biggest free party in town, featuring new events that bring the thrill, freedom, and fun of motorcycles front-and-center. From Aug. 29 to Sep. 2, anyone with an adventurous spirit and a love for the freedom of two wheels should make plans to attend.
Most activities will be free and open to the public, but for those looking to maximize the fun, Harley-Davidson has designed special anniversary rally packs that include exclusive experiences and limited-edition merchandise. Packs start at $50 and include dozens of specials — such as early access to factory tours, private lounge access and behind the scenes tours of Juneau Avenue HQ — and free souvenirs including artwork, headphones, cameras, clothing, and glassware.
Here are a couple things you can do while your there, check out the Harley Davidson Anniversary Page to learn more of what can be done while your celebrating the anniversary. Here are two things that we chose that looked cool to us.
The Harley-Davidson Museum
Consider the Harley-Davidson Museum the epicenter of all the anniversary activities and a must-attend feature of the weekend. With entertainment on two stages, motorcycle field games, a custom bike show, tattoo artists, local food and exclusive exhibits spread across several acres, it’s a museum experience unlike any other. Paid admission is required to enter the museum, but most of the activities on the museum campus are free. Additionally, all Harley Owners Group members will enjoy complimentary admission.
115th & HOG 35th Moto-Carnival
The Harley Owners Group (HOG) is one of the largest and longest-running motorcycle groups in existence, and as Harley-Davidson celebrates its 115th, HOG rings in 35 years. To celebrate both, a free five-day moto-carnival kicks off on Wednesday as riders roll into Veterans Park. All weekend long, the Full Throttle Saloon will serve up high-wire motorcycle thrill shows, the Wall of Death and more. It’s the perfect environment for cold drinks and good friends, with a celebration of — what else — all things motorcycle.
So explore Labor Day Weekend
So explore the weekend if you don’t go explore the 115th anniversary which you have a few days to do. Take a chance and have fun with your friends and family kick back and pop open a cold one, bbq some food and chill. Forget about the pain, (I know I am gonna try too, lol) and have some fun. Just remember to be safe and think before you hop on the scoot. Ride safe, and Dress for the Ride as well.
~And as always…
~Live Free Ride Hard~
~AMERiders
and
From all of us here at AMERiders Happy Labor Day.
And as always don’t forget to send us your stories, pictures, and events for posting to GALLERY.AMERIDERS @ GMAIL.COM and we will post them for you. The more people that know about your event the better and we are offering free advertising. We would also love to hear about your rides and love to see those bikes so send those stories and pictures.
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