Happy Loyalty Day!

By Michelle Malkin  •  May 1, 2008 08:46 PM

A reader e-mailed me that in addition to May Day and National Prayer Today, May 1 is also National Loyalty Day. I had never heard of it before. They certainly didn’t teach it in my public elementary and middle school classes. Anyway, Happy Loyalty Day!:

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.

The holiday was first observed in 1921 as “Americanization Day,” 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). Following the passage of this law, President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed May 1, 1959 the first official observance of Loyalty Day.

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:

* Bill Clinton, proclamation 6556 (May 1, 1993)
* George H. W. Bush, proclamation 5962 (April 28, 1989)
* Ronald Reagan, proclamation 4836 (April 14, 1981)
* Jimmy Carter, proclamation 4493 (March 23, 1977)
* Gerald Ford, proclamation 4354 (March 4, 1975)
* John F. Kennedy, proclamation 3528 (April 18, 1963)

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

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  1. #308597
    On May 1st, 2008 at 8:53 pm, Jeddite said:

    /tar Old Glory
    /salute

  2. #308598
    On May 1st, 2008 at 8:53 pm, PBoilermaker said:

    Every day is “Loyalty Day” for me, but happy Loyalty Day all the same!

  3. #308604
    On May 1st, 2008 at 9:01 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    I had never heard of it before.

    President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed May 1, 1959 the first official observance of Loyalty Day.

    It was before you were born – :) – and the same day they began removing all patriotic traces from schoolrooms.

  4. #308605
    On May 1st, 2008 at 9:01 pm, GOPGin said:

    May Day falls on the same day as American “Loyalty Day”?

    It’s just too perfect!!!

    Happy Loyalty Day everyone!

  5. #308607
    On May 1st, 2008 at 9:02 pm, ajmontana said:

    ditto pb! and thank goodness for the leaders of yesteryear! whew….

  6. #308611
    On May 1st, 2008 at 9:04 pm, GaMidnightRider said:

    We wish every American Citizen a Happy Loyalty Day

    Semper Fi

  7. #308613
    On May 1st, 2008 at 9:07 pm, trailortrash said:

    Happy Loyalty Day :)

    sounds familiar to me….
    mayday in 70’s elementary school was a special day, in Va atleast, with lots of activitys and lots of red white and blue so maybe that was one of the reasons.
    i remember a maypole as well, havent heard about that stuff in lotsa years…

  8. #308616
    On May 1st, 2008 at 9:11 pm, gippergirl said:

    God Bless America!!!!!!!!!!!!

  9. #308618
    On May 1st, 2008 at 9:12 pm, gippergirl said:

    Isn’t today also Holocaust Rememberance Day?…

  10. #308622
    On May 1st, 2008 at 9:16 pm, zorro said:

    I like it. Loyalty Day in the USA.

    What a perfect contrast with the fools spewing hate and celebrating lawlessness on the west coast and else where

  11. #308624
    On May 1st, 2008 at 9:17 pm, Bob in Myrtle Beach said:

    On May 1st, 2008 at 8:53 pm, PBoilermaker said:
    Every day is “Loyalty Day” for me, but happy Loyalty Day all the same!

    My sentiments exactly!

  12. #308628
    On May 1st, 2008 at 9:18 pm, Buckaroo said:

    #9 gg

    indeed it is …

  13. #308629
    On May 1st, 2008 at 9:19 pm, NotaSlickFan said:

    To Michelle and all Americans:

    “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

    God Bless America.

  14. #308631
    On May 1st, 2008 at 9:20 pm, spo-con said:

    You already know we live in the best country in the world. This is just icing on the cake. Have a great day people !

  15. #308648
    On May 1st, 2008 at 9:47 pm, nbarry said:

    Here is an appropriate piece of music for this day – “The Loyal Legion” by the March King himself.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0cQWWcJr6w

  16. #308650
    On May 1st, 2008 at 9:50 pm, WarTip said:

    Jimmy Carter, proclamation 4493 (March 23, 1977)

    Am I the only one that questions this one? I can hardly imagine this … man … using the term loosely … supporting ANYTHING American.

    Happy Loyalty Day all!

  17. #308652
    On May 1st, 2008 at 9:52 pm, undrseige247 said:

    Freedom’s natal day is here.
    Fire the guns and shout for freedom,
    See the flag above unfurled!
    Hail the stars and stripes forever,
    Dearest flag in all the world.
    ~Florence A. Jones

  18. #308653
    On May 1st, 2008 at 9:53 pm, tgusa said:

    Never heard of it but I would have to think that it was a sort of counter to this bluster. What with the wave of immigration the USA experienced around the turn of the century it was probably a good idea. After WWII the vast majority of new immigrants were thought of and thought of themselves as any other American. Most everyone united for the war effort it was an Americanizing ordeal.
    “Close your ranks, all oppressed and tormented, all those exploited and under attack!”
    Oh brother.

  19. #308654
    On May 1st, 2008 at 9:55 pm, allrsn said:

    WOW my ignorance shines on this one, I had no idea. <<<<hangs head in shame.

  20. #308655
    On May 1st, 2008 at 9:58 pm, ammo john said:

    “And I’m PROUD to be an AMERICAN…”

  21. #308656
    On May 1st, 2008 at 10:01 pm, Buckaroo said:

    # 16 WT

    eh, it was early in his term …
    :-)

  22. #308660
    On May 1st, 2008 at 10:04 pm, feebiebabe said:

    On May 1st, 2008 at 9:58 pm, ammo john said:
    “And I’m PROUD to be an AMERICAN…”

    Ditto. And if ya don’t like it…..MOVE!!!! :D

  23. #308665
    On May 1st, 2008 at 10:11 pm, Tennessee Dave said:

    I’ve been in the military 22 years and never heard of it. But like PBoilermaker said:

    Every day is “Loyalty Day” for me, but happy Loyalty Day all the same!

    The building I work in has the base flagpole out front. I look at it every day and think, “What a great country!!”

  24. #308667
    On May 1st, 2008 at 10:13 pm, Polar said:

    Happy Loyalty Day! As far as I’m concerned, let’s make it Loyalty WEEK and consider all other events’ occurring during this time as NULL and VOID.

  25. #308668
    On May 1st, 2008 at 10:15 pm, atxcowgirl said:

    Never heard of it either, but Happy Loyalty Day!
    Loyalty to the US of A of course

  26. #308671
    On May 1st, 2008 at 10:17 pm, tuffy said:

    Happy Loyalty Day!

    Remind me about it earlier in the day next year. Might celebrate it.

  27. #308680
    On May 1st, 2008 at 10:25 pm, tonyr951 said:

    Wonder if they would let us shut down Los Angeles streets, during a week day, to celebrate Loyalty Day?

    Probably not.

  28. #308682
    On May 1st, 2008 at 10:26 pm, brooklyn red said:

    Wait… April 15th is Loyalty Day, no?

  29. #308684
    On May 1st, 2008 at 10:27 pm, feebiebabe said:

    On May 1st, 2008 at 10:25 pm, tonyr951 said:
    Wonder if they would let us shut down Los Angeles streets, during a week day, to celebrate Loyalty Day?

    Probably not.

    NO, thats only reserved for Irish Rock Bands…

  30. #308691
    On May 1st, 2008 at 10:49 pm, Surveyor said:

    Its also “Law Day”. But….I wouldn’t have known that if Lou Dobbs hadn’t have schooled me on it tonight. I was a little dismayed because I hadn’t heard of it. :(

  31. #308695
    On May 1st, 2008 at 11:04 pm, conservativeindian said:

    I am not a citizen, not yet, but a leagal immigrant and loyal and proud of and to be in America. So, I am gonna say “Happy Loyalty Day” to me too.

  32. #308696
    On May 1st, 2008 at 11:11 pm, katieanne said:

    Happy Loyalty Day. It would be nice if many would celebrate this by starting to obey US laws. Now that would show loyalty.

  33. #308701
    On May 1st, 2008 at 11:21 pm, allrsn said:

    conservativeindian

    Welcome to our nation.

  34. #308714
    On May 1st, 2008 at 11:48 pm, Werekoala said:

    Happy Loyalty Day!

    I went to work, as usual for me on May Day since the mid-1980’s, dressed to the nines in nice dress pants, starched white shirt, and red patterned tie (usually dress down a bit for work, which is nice I admit) – and had to explain at least a dozen times that no, I didn’t have an interview! Since today is May Day, when Socialists world-wide skip work to wear tattered Che t-shirts and burn cars and march in parades, I celebrate by dressing nicely and working extra hard to counter-balance their worthless asses.

    Of course , since 100% (literally) of my co-workers had no idea what May Day was, or was about, it was kinda wasted I guess. That’s what I get for working with a bunch of kids… *grumble*

  35. #308715
    On May 1st, 2008 at 11:49 pm, WestCoastCoconut said:

    Michelle! What happen I’ve been trying to let everyone aware of Law Day is May 1st also! For the last three years! In contrast to the communist rooted workers day marches that advocated breaking the laws of this great nation.

    Let’s celebrate also the basis and foundation that holds this nation together and makes it better than any third world country. The Law.

  36. #308734
    On May 2nd, 2008 at 12:52 am, Miss Ladybug said:

    I’ll have to remember this when I get my own classroom, hopefully next school year.

  37. #308753
    On May 2nd, 2008 at 2:07 am, Fat Jolly Penguin said:

    Isn’t that deliciously ironic?

  38. #308807
    On May 2nd, 2008 at 4:35 am, Straight_Talk_Luigi said:

    This sure has brightened my day!

    God Bless America!

  39. #308840
    On May 2nd, 2008 at 6:10 am, bilgerat said:

    Speaking of forgotten holidays,
    how many people remember Flag Day?

    Flag Day is June 14, and I remember celebrating it in school. We would have to write essays about what the flag means to citizens and the country. We would also have a ceremony honoring the flag and those who fought to protect what our flag stands for.

    After elementary school, I don’t think it was ever acknowledged in school again.

    Anyways, Happy Loyalty Day, everyone!

  40. #308846
    On May 2nd, 2008 at 6:17 am, TMoney said:

    Never heard of it either.
    Happy Loyalty Day to all!

  41. #308857
    On May 2nd, 2008 at 6:47 am, CO of Fort Housewife said:

    On May 2nd, 2008 at 6:10 am, bilgerat said:
    Speaking of forgotten holidays,
    how many people remember Flag Day?

    I do, because June 14th is also the Army Birthday. I recall with fondness being in Basic Training on June 14th, having toasts to the Army, to the battles won, to the fallen comrades, etc. and drinking Tang out of our canteen cups. Good times…

    Also, Happy Loyalty Day, and Happy May Day! We used to go around the neighborhood hanging little baskets of candy on our friends’ doors for May Day.

  42. #308892
    On May 2nd, 2008 at 7:57 am, Bruce said:

    Yeah right. Now let’s try to mainstream this little known holiday. Also, let’s castrate those who think that demanding loyalty is not necessarily a good thing.

    Consider this: we have one of the most oppressive, brutal, invasive, and wasteful governments that has ever been known to mankind. Does Loyalty Day call for loyalty to the Federal Government or does it call for loyalty to the USA as the USA is described in the Constitution of the United States?

    I think most people probably consider loyalty to be to the USA as it is now, not loyalty to a Constitution that has been progressively shredded since the 1860’s.

    As for me, I do not consent to the illegal and un-Constitutional government that now oppresses us. I do, however, remain loyal to the Constitution.

  43. #308942
    On May 2nd, 2008 at 8:37 am, babbledabble said:

    I don’t know if it was May Day or Loyalty Day but at the (Catholic) school across the street yesterday, all the grade school kids were out racing around the track having some kind of mini-marathon. Lots of parents were there too. Some of the children were so small their parents were trotting along with them holding their hands. It was quite a sight to see.

  44. #308959
    On May 2nd, 2008 at 8:49 am, Boomer said:

    Thanks Michelle for teaching an old dog a new trick! I will no longer think of Mayday as a communist holiday, but will use it to continue to celebrate my loyalty to the good old US of A. As I do each day especially when the colors go up everyday at 0730 hrs as revile is played over the bases loud speakers. I have bet on this country and its citizens with my life on more than one occasion and would gladly do it again.

    I hope our political class starts to get its collective head our of their butts or those of us that have had it with their greed, corruption, lust for power, and continued sell out of the average American citizen may have to show that loyalty by watering the tree of liberty again.

  45. #309086
    On May 2nd, 2008 at 10:16 am, Urban Infidel said:

    Here’s my photo report from May Day Union Square 2008 yesterday.

    Check’em out!
    Urban Infidel

  46. #309656
    On May 2nd, 2008 at 4:26 pm, mhpaslay said:

    As a member of the Marine Corps League http://www.mcleague.com, Rim Country Detachment #928, Payson Arizona, my duties include posting flags within the city of Payson for specified holidays including Loyalty Day. If you have a home or business where our flag can be flown then Loyalty Day is another day we can show our patriotism. Semper Fidelis

  47. #310422
    On May 4th, 2008 at 12:05 am, twofoot said:

    Have to agree with what’s been said already. Every day is loyalty day. Never had the need to reaffirm my love of nation, because my love of nation has never faltered.

  48. #312269
    On May 5th, 2008 at 9:49 pm, Straight_Talk_Luigi said:

    I am not a citizen, not yet, but a leagal immigrant and loyal and proud of and to be in America. So, I am gonna say “Happy Loyalty Day” to me too.

    Welcome!

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