Loyalty Day

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Loyalty Day is observed on May 1 in the United States. It is a day set aside for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom.

Contents

[edit] History

The holiday was first observed in 1921[1] as "Americanization Day,"[2] and was intended to counterbalance the celebration of Labour Day on May Day (May 1), an internationally celebrated holiday which was perceived as communist.

Loyalty Day is celebrated with parades and ceremonies in several U.S. communities, although many people in the United States remain unaware of it. Although a legal holiday, it is not a federal holiday, and is not commonly observed.

It was made an official holiday by the U.S. Congress on July 18, 1958 (Public Law 85-529).[3][4] Following the passage of this law, President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed May 1, 1959 the first official observance of Loyalty Day. [5]

In 2007 President George W. Bush issued an official proclamation of the May 1, 2007 Loyalty Day in accordance with the 1958 Congressional declaration,[6] as have many of his predecessors:

The Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Batavia, Illinois, has sponsored a Loyalty Day parade on the first Sunday in May since 1975.[13]

The Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Villa Grove, Illinois, has sponsored a Loyalty Day parade, held in May, since 1974.

[edit] Osan Air Base, Republic of South Korea

An annual loyalty day parade is held every May 1st at Osan AB, Republic of South Korea. All units on base participate, including local ROK units, the Army 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, an Army band unit, the fire department, security forces (along with their working dogs) and EOD, accompanied by their bomb defusing robots. Also marching in the parade are the local boy scout troop, the Barons motorcycle club, the local VFW post and Ms. Loyalty Day.

JROTC performs the color guard

The 51st Security Forces Squadron

[edit] Statutory definition

Loyalty Day is defined as follows in 36 U.S.C. § 115:

  • (a) Designation.— May 1 is Loyalty Day.
  • (b) Purpose.— Loyalty Day is a special day for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom.
  • (c) Proclamation.— The President is requested to issue a proclamation—
    • (1) calling on United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on Loyalty Day; and
    • (2) inviting the people of the United States to observe Loyalty Day with appropriate ceremonies in schools and other suitable places.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Conn, Matt, "Loyalty Day celebration set for return to Medford" Wed, Mar 24, 2004, the Wausau Daily Herald
  2. ^ VFW Loyalty Day
  3. ^ Notes on 36 U.S.C. § 115
  4. ^ Eisenhower's signing statement
  5. ^ Proclamation by Eisenhower in 1959, citing Congress's joint resolution of July 18, 1958
  6. ^ Loyalty Day, 2007: A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
  7. ^ Proclamation by Clinton in 1993
  8. ^ Proclamation by George H.W. Bush in 1989
  9. ^ Proclamation by Reagan in 1981
  10. ^ Proclamation by Carter in 1977
  11. ^ Proclamation by Ford in 1975
  12. ^ Proclamation by Kennedy in 1963
  13. ^ Loyalty Day Parade

[edit] See also