Loyalty Day is observed on May 1 in the United States, though not widely celebrated. 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.[2]
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.[2] The most common way of celebrating is with parades. [3]
History
A poster from 1915–1929 used to promote Americanization day, which later evolved into Loyalty Day
International Workers' Day, held annually on May 1, has commemorated the labor struggle since the late 19th century. The date commemorates the 1886 Haymarket affair in Chicago.[4] Social upheaval following World War I, and especially the October Revolution in Russia,[5] developed into the First Red Scare, which led to government crackdowns on organized labor, the communist movement, and other activities seen as "radical". It was in this environment that Loyalty Day (originally called "Americanization Day") was created in 1921 as an explicit replacement for International Workers' Day.[6][5]
An early 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.[6]
During the Second Red Scare, it was recognized by the U.S. Congress on April 27, 1955,[7] and made an official reoccurring holiday on July 18, 1958 (Public Law 85-529).[1][8] President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed May 1, 1955, the first observance of Loyalty Day.[9] In 1958, Eisenhower urged Congress to move Child Health Day to the First Monday in October, to avoid conflicting with Loyalty Day.[8][10] Loyalty Day has been recognized with an official proclamation every year by every president since its inception as a legal holiday in 1958.[11][12]
On May 1, 2025, President Donald Trump issued a Presidential Proclamation reaffirming both Law Day, U.S.A. and Loyalty Day. The Proclamation states, "As our Nation commemorates Law Day, U.S.A., and Loyalty Day, we reaffirm our loyalty to the Constitution, and we renew our pledge to preserve and protect our glorious inheritance of fairness, equality, and freedom against all threats, foreign and domestic."[13] The Proclamation references historical precedent in creating Loyalty Day in opposition of May Day and communism. It also states, "we solemnly remember the more than 100 million victims of communism in the 20th century whose lives were viciously taken, and we stand in solidarity with the innumerable people across the world currently under captivity by communist leaders."[13] The basis for reaffirming Loyalty Day and Law Day are due to a perceived "weaponization of our Government" noting: "Under the previous administration, Federal law enforcement agencies outrageously allowed violent criminals to roam our streets with impunity while targeting parents, churchgoers, political opponents, and ordinary citizens."[13]
Celebrations and activities
Loyalty Day events, mostly parades, have been held in
These parades usually involve color guards, various marching bands, and even motorcycle clubs, in addition to the appearance of vintage cars and emergency vehicles.[26]
Statutory definition
Loyalty Day is defined as follows in 36U.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.
1 2 "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
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