ROSS SIMPSON

Labor Day in the United States is a public holiay celebrated on the first
Monday in September. It honors the American labor movement and the
contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and
well-being of the country. It is considered the unofficial end of summer.

In 1887, Oregon was the first state of the U.S.to make it an official public
holiday. By the time it became an official federal holiday in 1894, thirty U.S.
states officially celebrated Labor Day. 

CAMILLE BOHANNON

Sir George Ivan "Van" Morrison is 71 years old today.

Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison’s albums Moondance and 
Astral Weeks have received critical acclaim. His father’s huge 
record collection inspired him to pursue music. Many have said
Morrison is a very private person and sometimes refuses to look
at the audience while performing.

Van Morrison being knighted recently by the Prince of Wales.

SANDY KOXEL

Henry Louis "Hank" Aaron turned 82 on February 5.

President Truman signs the Fair Labor Standards Act.

U.S. President Harry Truman, declaring the federal minimum wage ought to be
nearly double, raised the minimum wage from 40 to 75 cents an hour. The
increase is roughly the equivalent of a wage today jumping to $10.70 from
$5.70 an hour.