The topic of Loyalty Day has been the subject of much debate and controversy in recent years. Since its appearance, it has captured the attention of experts and fans alike, generating endless opinions and points of view. In this article, we will explore in depth the most relevant aspects related to Loyalty Day, analyzing its origins, evolution and its impact on current society. Likewise, we will examine the various perspectives that exist around this topic, providing a broad and complete vision that allows the reader to understand its complexity.
Loyalty Day is observed on May 1 in the United States. It was proclaimed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower as a day for declaring loyalty to the United States of America and to acknowledge American history.
Each year on Loyalty Day, the current president is requested to issue a proclamation that asks the American government officials to display the American flag on all government buildings. The proclamations also ask for the American people to observe Loyalty Day with ceremonies in suitable places. The most common way of celebrating is with parades.
History
The holiday was first observed in 1921, during the First Red Scare. It was originally called "Americanization Day," and it was intended to replace the May 1 ("May Day") celebration of the International Workers' Day, which commemorates the 1886 Haymarket affair in Chicago.In the late 1800’s May became a day for the revolutionary labor movement to honor the memory of the May 1, 1886, strike in Chicago. The 1886 strike is also known as the Haymarket Affair or the Haymarket Riot which is associated with a number of issuing events that influenced the creation of Loyalty Day. The need for Loyalty Day was recognized in response to the October Revolution in Russia. One of the first instances of a celebration held for Americanization day was on May 1, 1930, when 10,000 VFW members staged a rally at New York's Union Square to promote patriotism.
During the Second Red Scare, it was recognized by the U.S. Congress on April 27, 1955, and made an official reoccurring holiday on July 18, 1958 (Public Law 85-529). President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed May 1, 1955, the first observance of Loyalty Day. In 1958, Eisenhower urged Congress to move Child Health Day to the First Monday in October, to avoid conflicting with Loyalty Day. Loyalty Day has been recognized with an official proclamation every year by every president since its inception as a legal holiday in 1958.
Celebrations/Activities
Loyalty Day events, mostly parades, have been held in:
These parades usually include the involvement of color guards, various marching bands, and even motorcycle clubs, in addition to the appearance of vintage cars and emergency vehicles.
(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.
^ ab"36 U.S. Code § 115 – Loyalty Day". Legal Information Institute. New York: Cornell University Law School. August 12, 1998. Retrieved April 11, 2009.
^Eisenhower, Dwight D. (April 28, 1955). Gerhard Peters; John T. Woolley (eds.). "Proclamation 3091 – Loyalty Day, 1955". The American Presidency Project. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
(federal) = federal holidays, (abbreviation) = state/territorial holidays, (religious) = religious holidays, (cultural) = holiday related to a specific racial/ethnic group or sexual minority, (week) = week-long holidays, (month) = month-long holidays, (36) = Title 36 Observances and Ceremonies