I Won't Work Hard to Find Out

[deckardcanine]

We’re rather fond of Labor Day, but how did it begin?
Two different men are credited, most strongly by their kin.
It started on September 5 of 1882,
When New York City’s Central Labor Union (CLU)
Arranged a public street parade at least 10,000 strong.
(Back then, it was impressive to assemble such a throng.)
That much is uncontested, but just who had lit the fire?
Some say it was the Union’s secretary, Matt Maguire,
Who first proposed a holiday repeating this parade
(With widespread recognition so the marchers still got paid).
It’s possible he did this but got shafted for his views:
Too radical a founder for the day could spell bad news.
The only other candidate for launching Labor Day
In theory told the CLU his notion back in May.
He wanted a September date in part for pleasant weather
And not to be too close to other holidays (that’s clever).
This man led several unions, well positioned to inspire.
His name (here comes the funny part) was Peter J. McGuire.