When asked the significance of May 1, many Americans would probably respond by saying that it is May Day. Technically, they would be correct, but May 1 is so much more.
Historically, May Day is related to Celtic and Germanic festivals. Eventually, these pagan religious festivals evolved into secular celebrations that marked the end of another winter and welcomed the arrival of spring and warmer weather. Gradually May Day celebrations complete with May Pole dancing were occurring in many communities all across America.
The spirit of May Day took on an ominous meaning, for many Americans, when Communist Russia celebrated the day to honor the Russian Revolution. In an effort to counteract the Communist May Day celebrations in America, members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars sought to challenge what they considered to be the “disruptive forces of Communism”. They sought ways for Americans to demonstrate their loyalty to American ideals. At the urging of the VFW, many communities all across our great nation organized various activities to promote patriotism and Americanism. These were sponsored by schools, churches, labor unions, fraternal organizations, and all levels of government. A resolution was adopted in 1949, proclaiming May 1 as Loyalty Day, but it wouldn’t be until 1958 until the proclamation became law. In 1958, President Eisenhower signed Public Law 529 in which May 1st was proclaimed Loyalty Day in the United States.
Loyalty Day was established as a day for reaffirming our loyalty to the United States and the documents upon which our nation was founded and provides us with the opportunity to celebrate the many freedoms secured and preserved for us by the brave patriots who have served in our nation’s armed forces and risked their lives in the defense of freedom.
The VFW urges everyone to take time to reflect on the privileges of democracy and liberty that have been afforded us by the institutions of our nation.