About National Loyalty Day
First observed in 1921, it is a day set aside for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom.
Loyalty Day was originally called “Americanization Day,” and it was intended to replace the May 1st (“May Day”) celebration of the International Workers’ Day, which commemorates the 1886 Haymarket Massacre in Chicago.
It was recognized by the U.S. Congress on April 27, 1955, and made an official reoccurring holiday on July 18th 1958 (Public Law 85-529). President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed May 1th 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.
