Every Labor Day, Americans pause to recognize the sacrifices and achievements of the labor movement—a fight that secured the eight-hour workday, safer workplaces, and fairer wages. In Pennsauken, New Jersey, that story feels especially close to home, because the community is the final resting place of Peter J. McGuire, often remembered as the “Father of Labor Day.”
This year, the conversation around McGuire’s legacy has taken on renewed urgency. Elected officials, union leaders, and local advocates are now working to have McGuire’s gravesite in Arlington Cemetery in Pennsauken designated a National Historic Landmark, underscoring its symbolic importance not only to South Jersey but to the entire nation.
Peter J. McGuire: The Man Behind the Movement
Born in New York City in 1852, McGuire dedicated his life to improving the lives of working people. He co-founded the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and served as a vice president of the American Federation of Labor (AFL).
McGuire was also a driving force behind the creation of Labor Day itself, envisioning a national holiday to honor the working class and recognize the dignity of their contributions to American society. The very first Labor Day celebration was held in 1882 in New York City, a vision that has since grown into a national tradition observed every first Monday in September.
Today, McGuire’s gravesite in Pennsauken serves as both a local landmark and a point of national reflection. Every year, labor leaders and community members gather there to honor his role in shaping American labor history.
Why McGuire’s Legacy Matters Today
The push to recognize McGuire’s final resting place as a National Historic Landmark is about more than preserving history—it’s about connecting past struggles to modern challenges.
Across the country, workers are navigating issues McGuire himself would have recognized:
- Wage stagnation in the face of rising costs of living.
- Erosion of benefits and protections in a gig-driven economy.
- Union membership under pressure, even as demand for workplace rights grows.
- Debates over work-life balance, flexible scheduling, and fair pay.
Elected officials and labor advocates argue that McGuire’s legacy provides a guiding light as the nation reexamines the role of unions and collective action in protecting workers’ rights.
A South Jersey Site With National Significance
Arlington Cemetery in Pennsauken may seem like a quiet resting place, but it’s a cornerstone of the labor movement’s story. Turning it into a recognized National Historic Landmark would not only honor McGuire’s contributions but also place South Jersey firmly on the map as a destination for labor history.
Such recognition could increase tourism, bring educational opportunities to local schools, and strengthen the identity of South Jersey as a region deeply connected to America’s broader cultural and social evolution.
For readers looking to explore more history, culture, and current happenings across the region, visit our South Jersey coverage.
Labor Day 2025: A Celebration and a Reminder
This Labor Day, as families across New Jersey enjoyed barbecues, parades, and time at the shore, advocates gathered in Pennsauken to remember Peter J. McGuire. Their message was clear: while much progress has been made since McGuire’s time, many of the struggles facing America’s workforce echo those of the past.
Recognizing McGuire’s gravesite as a national landmark would ensure that his contributions—and the ongoing fight for workers’ dignity—are never forgotten. It’s a reminder that Labor Day is not just a holiday, but a living legacy.
