b'Contract# 6188 Smile Center2024 JBMDL U.S. Air Force First Class Sari A. SeibertLoyalty DayMonday , May 1Loyalty Day is also an important time to celebrate those who protect our freedom every day. Some communities hold parades or ceremonies, but you may have to find your own way to celebrate and thank veterans.On May 1, 1955, President Eisenhower issued the first Loyalty Day proclamation, calling on people to recognize the heritage of American freedom and reaffirm our commitment to the principles that make our country great. In 1958 Congress enacted Public Law 529 proclaiming Loyalty Day a permanent fixture on the nations calendar. May 1 was originally an ancient pagan holiday that many people still celebrate today as May Day. In more recent history, May 1 also became a day of recognition for Labor Party movements, including the 1886 Haymarket Square riot in Chicago that resulted in several men facing execution for fighting to establish the 8-hour work day.The American Labor Movement was heavily influenced by communism and anarchism that were contrary to American values. In parts of the world with established socialist or communist parties, May 1 was designated as Labour Day. In 1921, Americanization Day, later called Loyalty Day, was created to counterbalance the celebration of Labour Day.The creation of Americanization Day was a direct response to the First Red Scare, which happened as the Russian Revolution unfolded in the early 20th Century.The ideas of communism, anarchism and Bolshevism that spread widely during that time were seen as a threat to American values. Americanization Day was established to reaffirm what it meant to be American, and to recognize American freedom and heritage.Early celebrations of Americanization Day included VFW members staging rallies across the country to promote patriotism. The day eventually evolved into Loyalty Day in 1949, when a resolution changed the name. When the Second Red Scare swept across the country in the 50s, fears of communism were rekindled and Loyalty Day seemed just as relevant as ever.JThank You For Your Service Military Appreciation Resource Magazine 5'