Loyalty Day in United States
Quick Facts
Loyalty Day falls on May 1, 2008. It is a special day for people to reaffirm their loyalty to the United States and to recognize the heritage of American freedom.Name
Loyalty DayLoyalty Day 2008
Thursday, May 1, 2008Loyalty Day 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009See list of observations below
Loyalty Day is a time for people to reaffirm their loyalty to the United States. ©iStockphoto.com/Rebecca Ellis
What do people do?
The United States of America was founded by patriots who risked their lives to bring freedom to the nation. The nation’s founders are remembered on Loyalty Day, which is a day when people celebrate their freedom while remembering their responsibilities to continue the legacy of liberty.
Loyalty Day is celebrated with parades and ceremonies in several communities across the United States. Schools, churches, and various organizations participate in these events. In Wisconsin, the town of New Glarus was chosen to host the 2008 State Loyalty Day Parade and ceremonies. The event took place on April 26, 2008, which was the Saturday before May 1. In Oregon, the Newport Loyalty Day & Sea Fair Festival is held from May 1-4, 2008. Many local veterans get actively involved, particularly during the annual patriotic parade.
Public life
Loyalty Day is not a public holiday and public life is not affected. Schools, post offices, stores and other businesses and organizations are open as usual. Public transport services run to their usual schedules and no extra congestion on highways is to be expected.
Background
Loyalty Day was first observed in 1921 as "Americanization Day" to counterbalance Labour Day on May Day (May 1), celebrated in other parts of the world. On May 1, 1930, about 10,000 Veterans of Foreign War members staged a rally at New York's Union Square to promote patriotism. Through a resolution adopted in 1949, May 1 evolved into Loyalty Day. Observances began on April 28, 1950, and climaxed on May 1 when more than five million people across the nation held rallies. In New York City, more than 100,000 people rallied for America.
On July 18, 1958, the Congress designated May 1 of each year as Loyalty Day to foster loyalty and love of the country. According to the Legal Information Institute, the President is requested to issue a proclamation, calling on United States government officials to display the flag of the United States on all government buildings on Loyalty Day, and inviting the people of the United States to observe Loyalty Day with appropriate ceremonies in schools and other suitable places.
Loyalty Day Observances
| Weekday | Date | Year | Name | Holiday type | Where it is observed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu | May 1 | 1980 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Fri | May 1 | 1981 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Sat | May 1 | 1982 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Sun | May 1 | 1983 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Tue | May 1 | 1984 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Wed | May 1 | 1985 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Thu | May 1 | 1986 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Fri | May 1 | 1987 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Sun | May 1 | 1988 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Mon | May 1 | 1989 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Tue | May 1 | 1990 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Wed | May 1 | 1991 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Fri | May 1 | 1992 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Sat | May 1 | 1993 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Sun | May 1 | 1994 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Mon | May 1 | 1995 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Wed | May 1 | 1996 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Thu | May 1 | 1997 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Fri | May 1 | 1998 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Sat | May 1 | 1999 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Mon | May 1 | 2000 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Tue | May 1 | 2001 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Wed | May 1 | 2002 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Thu | May 1 | 2003 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Sat | May 1 | 2004 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Sun | May 1 | 2005 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Mon | May 1 | 2006 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Tue | May 1 | 2007 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Thu | May 1 | 2008 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Fri | May 1 | 2009 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Sat | May 1 | 2010 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Sun | May 1 | 2011 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Tue | May 1 | 2012 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Wed | May 1 | 2013 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Thu | May 1 | 2014 | Loyalty Day | Observance | |
| Fri | May 1 | 2015 | Loyalty Day | Observance |
Related holidays
- Law Day–Thursday, May 1, 2008
- National Day of Prayer–Thursday, May 1, 2008
Other holidays in May 2008 in United States
- Ascension Day (Thursday, May 1, 2008)
- Law Day (Thursday, May 1, 2008)
- National Day of Prayer (Thursday, May 1, 2008)
- Yom HaShoah (Friday, May 2, 2008)
- World Press Freedom Day (Saturday, May 3, 2008)
- Rhode Island Independence Day (Sunday, May 4, 2008)
- Cinco de Mayo (Monday, May 5, 2008)
- Truman Day (Thursday, May 8, 2008)
- Yom HaAtzmaut (Thursday, May 8, 2008)
- Confederate Memorial Day (Friday, May 9, 2008)
- Confederate Memorial Day (Saturday, May 10, 2008)
- Confederate Memorial Day (Saturday, May 10, 2008)
- Pentecost (Sunday, May 11, 2008)
- Mother's Day (Sunday, May 11, 2008)
- Whit Monday (Monday, May 12, 2008)
- Peace Officers Memorial Day (Thursday, May 15, 2008)
- International Day of Families (Thursday, May 15, 2008)
- National Defense Transportation Day (Friday, May 16, 2008)
- World Information Society Day (Saturday, May 17, 2008)
- Trinity Sunday (Sunday, May 18, 2008)
- World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development (Wednesday, May 21, 2008)
- Corpus Christi (Thursday, May 22, 2008)
- International Day for Biological Diversity (Thursday, May 22, 2008)
- National Maritime Day (Thursday, May 22, 2008)
- Lag B'Omer (Friday, May 23, 2008)
- African Liberation Day (Sunday, May 25, 2008)
- Memorial Day (Monday, May 26, 2008)
Other calendars
- Perpetual yearly calendar - make yearly calendar for any year
- Perpetual monthly calendar - shows only one month at a time
- Custom calendar - make customized calendars
