Loyalty Day is an annual observance in the United States of America which is marked on May 1. The day is dedicated to reaffirming loyalty to the United States and the principles of freedom and democracy that the nation stands for. The origins of Loyalty Day date back to the early 1920s and it became an official observance in 1958. Each year on Loyalty Day, the US President is requested to issue a proclamation that asks the American government officials to display the American flag on all government buildings and observe Loyalty Day with ceremonies in suitable places. May 1, 2024: Which Day Is Today? Know Holidays, Festivals, Special Events, Birthdays, Birth and Death Anniversaries Falling on Today's Calendar Date.

Loyalty Day History

The day was proclaimed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower as a day for declaring loyalty to the United States of America and acknowledging American history. The date, May 1, was set in order to counter International Workers' Day and was recognised by the U.S. Congress during the height of the Second Red Scare.

As per historical records, Loyalty Day was first observed in 1921, during the First Red Scare and was originally called ‘Americanization Day’. The day was intended to replace the May 1 celebration of the International Workers' Day, which commemorates the 1886 Haymarket affair in Chicago. 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. Loyalty Day has been recognized with an official proclamation every year by every president since its inception as a legal holiday in 1958.

Loyalty Day Significance

The day is a great opportunity for Americans to reflect on the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship, honour the sacrifices made by those who have defended the country, and celebrate the freedoms enjoyed as citizens of the United States.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 30, 2024 11:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).