ADVERTISEMENTBefore Labor Day became a federal holiday, it was celebrated by labor activists and recognized by individual states. The founder of Labor DayIt is unclear who first proposed the holiday celebration of labor workers, but there are two workers who commonly claim credit for being the Founders of Labor Day. However, many people challenge Peter McGuire’s role in Labor Day history, believing that machinist Matthew Maguire actually founded the holiday. By 1909, the Sunday before Labor Day became known as Labor Sunday and it was dedicated to the “spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.” Although now considered a fun, less serious holiday, Labor Day still holds the same meaning of honoring the laborers and hard workers of America.