Peter McGuire Memorial

Arlington Cemetery

1620 Cove Road, Pennsauken

8:30-4:30

Peter J. McGuire is honored with two monuments. The older of the two marks the final resting place of McGuire and his family and includes a cross etched with "Labor Omnia Vincit." labor conquers all. This monument was constructed in 1906.

A half a century later, his memory was honored by the portrait statue and colonnade that now dominate the site; Who was Peter J. McGuire?

Born in New York City in 1852, McGuire grew up amidst a booming industrial economy that was often leaving the workers behind. They were often required to work long hours for low wages; children were frequently employed; and health and safety concerns were an afterthought. From age 20 until his death, McGuire devoted his life to improving conditions for labor. He founded one of the most powerful unions in the country,the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners.

He is best known, however, for his May 1882 proposal for a day to be set aside to celebrate the American worker and the achievements of the labor movement This was the origin of Labor Day. McGuire's contribution is recognized annually by a graveside ceremony attended by local labor leaders that occurs every Labor Day.