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Comment by Frances Farmer on May 1, 2014 at 12:14pm

I'm sorry, - that's creepy as hell. May Day is to remember that nations survive and thrive on the backs of workers. Though I guess if a country's leaders use the "law" to destroy workers means to survive, pilfer the aggregate wealth and resources and jeopardize the nations sovereignty, a proscription in the form of a Loyalty Day would be much more useful to them.

Comment by guest_blog on May 1, 2014 at 11:16am

For many people around the world, May 1 is known aMay Day. But for Americans, it's Loyalty Day.

So what is Loyalty Day? Find out in this primer.

What is Loyalty Day?

Loyalty Day is a holiday that promotes patriotism. It is a day to reaffirm allegiance to the United States of America.

When was it created?

It began in 1921 as "Americanization Day," according to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Back then it was foil to the communist celebration of the Russian Revolution, which was also celebrated on May 1. In 1949 it became Loyalty Day and in 1958 Loyalty Day became law and an official part of the American calendar.

Why do we celebrate it?

We'll let the VFW answer this one:

"Freedom is worth celebrating any day of the year," said Pennsylvania VFW state commander Russell Canevari in a press release. "But on May 1st the VFW leads nationwide 'Loyalty Day' events to rally Americans behind democracy and all the blessings of living in a free nation.

"Too many people take their freedom for granted, and many forget that there are still enemies of the United States," he continued. "World events today remind free people that their freedom has been fought for and that there is a strong need to continue defending freedom."

How do we celebrate it?

VFWs across the country host Loyalty Day celebrations and every year the President of the United States of American issues a proclamation regarding the holiday.

Last year, President Barack Obama called upon "all the people of the United States to join in support of this national observance, whether by displaying the flag of the United States or pledging allegiance to the Republic for which it stands" in his proclamation.

www.pennlive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/04/what_is_loyalty_da...