Loyalty Day
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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.
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[edit] History
The holiday was first celebrated in the 1920s[1] as Americanization Day,[2] and was intended to serve as a counterweight to May Day, which was perceived as a Communist holiday in the U.S.
Loyalty Day is celebrated with parades and ceremonies in communities across the United States, although many people in the United States remain unaware of it. Although a legal holiday, it is not a federal holiday.
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.[citation needed]
[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
- ^ Conn, Matt, "Loyalty Day celebration set for return to Medford" Wed, Mar 24, 2004, the Wausau Daily Herald
- ^ VFW Loyalty Day
- ^ Notes on 36 U.S.C. § 115
- ^ Eisenhower's signing statement
