Loyalty Day
Loyalty Day is observed on May 1st every year in the United States. It is a day to celebrate the American heritage of freedom, and where people are encouraged to reaffirm their loyalty to the United States.
On Loyalty Day, many Americans unite under their shared basic ideals and principles, on which the United States was founded.
Loyalty Day History: Fostering American Loyalty
Loyalty Day has its origins in the anti-communist sentiment that was prevalent in America during the First Red Scare. The first Loyalty Day was called "Americanization Day", and was celebrated on May 1st, 1921.
It was done with the intention of replacing May Day which became associated with laborers' and workers’ movements such as the International Labor Day observed on May 1st. May Day was considered to be a holiday enjoyed in communist countries.
Between 1930 and 1950 there were several rallies happening around the country, with millions of Americans getting together to demand for May 1st to be a day when patriotism is celebrated. These rallies were mostly attended by Army Veterans and soldiers who had fought in foreign wars.
The day was brought back during the Second Red Scare on April 27, 1955, and officially recognized by the United States Congress. On July 18, 1958, a law was passed by then President Dwight D. Eisenhower designated May 1st as Loyalty Day to be observed every year. It was an attempt to combat communism and to foster people's love and loyalty to their country and its ideals.
The President in the office is required to issue a proclamation on this day. This has been followed by every President since Eisenhower, with each one promoting their own definition of loyalty and highlighting different matters of National Pride and American values.
Celebrate Loyalty Day
Loyalty Day is celebrated with parades and ceremonies in several cities across the United States. Schools, churches, and other organizations may host their own patriotic events, where communities gather to celebrate American values.
On this day, people display their patriotism by raising their flags and giving thanks to current and past members of the U.S. military for their service to the country. This is a good opportunity to learn more about the founding of the country, and the principles that America was built on.
Loyalty Day is also a time to reflect on issues that are currently affecting the United States and all its citizens, and think about ways in which that can be changed.
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