To many and perhaps most Americans, Labor Day weekend means picnics, beaches, and the unofficial end of summer. Although the day is not usually a holiday for service members throughout the world, several factors connect Labor Day to those on active duty and to our nation’s veterans who have served in the past. For example, throughout history, few have labored more or under more adverse conditions than those fighting to defend freedom. In that sense, Labor Day should be as relevant to America’s war heroes as any other group.

Labor Day had already become a holiday to honor the American worker long before the brutality of two World Wars and the Vietnam conflict in the mid-1960s. The day was recognized by labor activists and individual states in the early 1880s. After municipal ordinances were passed in 1885 and 1886, a movement developed to secure state legislation. New York was the first to introduce a bill, but Oregon was the first to pass a law recognizing Labor Day on February 21, 1887. President Grover Cleveland signed a bill into law on June 28, 1894, declaring Labor Day a national holiday during a crisis over federal efforts to end a strike by railroad workers.

The holiday’s ties to the military and veteran community are also demonstrated by the wide array of discounts that have been available traditionally to the military community and veterans throughout the weekend. Most of these discounts have now been extended to apply to purchases made year-round.

For a comprehensive list of these discounts provided by mymilitarybenefits.com, click the button below. On behalf of BVA’s National Headquarters and National Board of Directors, please enjoy a safe and pleasant Labor Day weekend!