Spring is my favorite time of year, and on May Day, when I was a kid, we used to make paper baskets, put flowers in them, and hang them on door knobs. Then we’d ring the bell and run away. One time, I took part in a maypole dance. It was magical.

Many countries around the world celebrate International Labor Day on May 1.

The United States doesn’t officially recognize International Labor Day although it originated here when workers fought for a shorter work day.

Other countries celebrate Labor Day on different dates. In the U.S. and Canada, Labor Day is the first Monday in September.

U.S. resistance to celebrate International Labor Day – also called International Workers’ Day – comes from a resistance to emboldening global working-class unity, historians say.

But, that hasn’t stopped American workers from joining workers from throughout the world with marches and events. For example, in Los Angeles, rallies and marches are planned in downtown Los Angeles, Little Tokyo, and Boyle Heights. Sponsored by the Los Angeles May Day Coalition, the theme of the march is “Solidarity Is Power: Right to Citizenship, Right to Unionize, Right to Strike, & Right to Housing.”

I hope you have a great May Day, and that you’ll include in your celebration some way to remember workers for their contributions and sacrifices.