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| image courtesy of marxists.org |
May 1st is May
Day,
which is also known as International Workers Day. This holiday is
observed in many countries and locales, in recognition of the
achievements of the working people of the
world.
May 1st also
marks the anniversary of the beginning of the 1886 nation-wide strike
in support of the eight-hour workday. In Chicago, a mass
meeting
in support of the workers' movement ended tragically with the
"Haymarket Massacre" on May 4.
“Primo Maggio, il sole dell’ Avvenire” – May First, the sun of tomorrow! as our Italian comrades so beautifully it, is here again. It links ancient traditions, these modem times, and the future. Always a people’s natural holiday, since time immemorial it was the occasion for the gathering of the of the poor and lowly for one gala day of festivity. For the last fifty-five years it has been universally recognized and cherished by workers around the world as an International Labor Holiday. It is actually the only holiday celebrated internationally. It obliterates all differences of race, creed, color, and nationality. It celebrates the brotherhood of all workers everywhere. It crosses all national boundaries, it transcends all language barriers, it ignores all religious differences. It makes sharp and clear, around the world, the impassable chasm between all workers and all exploiters. It is the day when the class struggle in its most militant significance is reaffirmed by every conscious worker.
