Loyalty Day - A Forgotten U.S. Holiday
VFW Rally Led to Loyalty Day
Aug 28, 2009 Janelle Gann-Austin
According to vfw.org, “On May 1, 1930, 10,000 VFW members staged a rally at New York’s Union Square to promote patriotism.” Loyalty Day observances began on April 28, 1950, and continued through May 1. “In 1958 Congress enacted Public Law 529 proclaiming Loyalty Day a permanent fixture on the nation's calendar,” states vfw.org.
U.S. Code Title 36,115 calls for the President to issue a proclamation that calls for the flag to be displayed on all government buildings and invites citizens to hold “appropriate ceremonies in schools and other suitable places.”
Presidents Issue Proclamations on Loyalty Day
In his first presidential Loyalty Day proclamation, Barack Obama said, “More than two centuries ago, our Nation's Founders declared the birth of a new Nation and began an experiment in self-governance. The young Republic committed itself to protecting the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all citizens. These ideals inspired loyalty to the young Nation and moved volunteers to fight for their independence.”
The surge of patriotism that followed the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 has not sparked an increase in Loyalty Day commemoration, nor has the fighting of two wars in the Middle East. In his 2002 Loyalty Day proclamation, President George W. Bush said “For our military personnel, loyalty and dedication is a way of life. The men and women of our Armed Forces embody loyalty as they work to protect our ideals. Throughout our history, America's military has heroically defended our country and its founding principles of freedom and democracy. Today, our military is again responding to the call of duty with courage and pride. These brave individuals who risk their lives fighting terror honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the American people.”
Existing Loyalty Day Celebrations
While in the minority, some communities do commemorate Loyalty Day. Newport, Oregon has held a Loyalty Day and Sea Fair Festival each year since 1953. This years’ festival included the annual parade, carnival, car shows, and queen’s coronation.
A May 7, 2006, article by R. Scott Rappold in the Colorado Springs Gazette states that Calhan and Lafayette, Colo. are the only two locations in the state that celebrate Loyalty Day. The article states, “Loyalty Day never fully took hold, and within a decade, amid public disaffection over the war in Vietnam, most celebrations quietly ceased.”
In addition to the celebrations in Newport, Calhan, and Lafayette, commemorations are also held in “scattered small towns across the country, places such as Watseka, Ill., Rutland, Vt., and Carlisle, Pa.,” according to Rappold.
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