The first Monday of September marks what should be considered one of the most important federal holidays of the year: Labor Day.

Originally created to advance the social and economic achievements of Americans, the day began in the 1880s after originating in Toronto, Canada. Though Labor Day is often considered a day off for the average American, its focus should be on celebrating and supporting those rights for hardworking individuals.

According to a study from Bloomberg BNA back in 2015, it has been recorded that 97 percent of the employers surveyed would give their workers a paid day off on Monday, while 41 percent will require at least some employees to work on the holiday.

So, the question remains, is it acceptable for American workers to be given paid days off on Labor Day every first Monday of September from their employers, or should they work the full day?

Because the day is dedicated to appreciating the average 9 to 5 worker, it should be nationally implied that every person should be given the day off. Not only is the day one for the country to appreciate its workers, it should also be one where Americans get the well-earned break they deserve.

Of course, when it comes to essential workers such as nurses, doctors, firefighters, police officers and those who are critical to public safety, it can be quite difficult to support. Though there is no easy solution to this question, a pay raise, at least for that one day, should not be out of the question.

Moreover, not only does Labor Day celebrate workers, it also celebrates the history of this country. More importantly, it commemorates the strength and spirit of trade and labor organizations. Had it not been for the hardworking people who so selflessly dedicated themselves to providing for our country, we may not be where we are today.

Labor Day also came as a result of the Industrial Revolution, the turning point in which the average American stopped working 12-hour days, seven days a week just in order to earn a basic living. Children, some as young as the age of five, worked alongside their adult counterparts for just a fraction of the wage.

After a series of strikes and boycotts, in 1894, Congress moved quickly to reconnect the government with the average American worker and passed an act to make Labor Day a legal holiday, giving the people the recognition that they were fighting for.

But even after becoming a legal holiday, many people are not affected by the time off from work. Though it’s a legal holiday, the only people that really get to take advantage of Labor Day are usually government agencies and their employees. Those that truly deserve days off are the same individuals that put their life on the line for the American people. Of course, if police officers, firefighters or doctors took time off then who would we turn to protect us?

Schools are closed down, but college student workers still have to drag themselves out of bed to work even when classes are not in session. Who does Labor Day really affect in the grand scheme of things? People who already only work five days, sitting at a desk and have two days already off on the weekends?

Labor Day should be about appreciating workers. All workers. That appreciation should come in the form of a paid day off. Those who cannot take the day off should receive some sort of compensation. Any sort of recognition is warranted.