Haymarket Memorial, West Loop, Chicago

Haymarket Memorial, West Loop, Chicago

From Wikipedia:

May Day in the United States is commonly regarded — at least by certain groups — as a commemoration of the execution of the Haymarket martyrs who were arrested after the Haymarket Riot of 1886 in Chicago, Illinois, which occurred on May 4, but was the culmination of labor unrest which began on May 1. The date consequently became established as an anarchist and socialist holiday during the 20th century, and in these circles it is often known as International Workers’ Day or Labour Day. In this form, May Day has become an international celebration of the social and economic achievements of the working class and labor movement.

Here’s more on the Haymarket Riots, which happened near my office. I was out walking around yesterday and took these photos of Mary Brogger’s 15-foot statue that commemorates the historical event. Before this statue there were others, but they were all wrecked. On purpose. At one point, for a 2-year timeframe, they even had to have 24-hour police guard at the statue.

Update: Below are a few photos of protesters I saw on the way to and from lunch. They were gathered around the Haymarket Memorial statue getting ready to march.

Haymarket Memorial, West Loop, Chicago

Haymarket Memorial, West Loop, Chicago

Haymarket Memorial, West Loop, Chicago

Haymarket Memorial, West Loop, Chicago