Labor Day is a celebration and tribute to working Americans who have made the United States the most prosperous, productive country in the world. The holiday is thought to have been first celebrated 127 years ago, some think because of the efforts of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners.

The first formal Labor Day observance was on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City. The city’s Central Labor Union honored its laborers a second time on the same date in 1883. For the third celebration, the union decided the holiday should be observed on the first Monday in September and began soliciting other unions across the country to join in the celebration.

By 1885, the day honoring American workers was celebrated across the nation in industry-heavy cities. Although many cities and states began recognizing the holiday, it was not until June 28, 1894, that Congress passed an act to make the day a national holiday.

Today, many cities have Labor Day parades after which speeches, honoring the American worker, are given. For most, the day is a day to relax around the barbecue, be with families and enjoy the traditional end of summer, before the leaves begin to fall and the winter holiday seasons arrive.

Such is the case with TheBAYNET.com. The news division is taking a much needed break from the 24/7 news business and enjoying a quiet day with families and friends. Come Tuesday, however, look for some extraordinary changes to TBN and some delightful surprises for our fantastic readers.

Until then, enjoy the day and relax, but most of all, try to stay out of the news while TBN staffers take a day.