Loyalty Day may not be as well known as some of the other patriotic holidays we celebrate in the United States, but that doesn’t mean it’s less worthy of being celebrated.

Loyalty Day is observed on the first of May and reaffirms loyalty to the United States and recognizes the heritage of American freedom. While many people let the day pass, it’s an important day in our history. We hope that bringing more awareness to Loyalty Day will encourage Americans to commemorate the holiday each year.

The History of Loyalty Day

Before Loyalty Day became what it is today, it was originally called Americanization Day. The first time this holiday was observed was in 1921 in the middle of the First Red Square. Americanization Day was the direct response to the ideas of communism and anarchy that were spreading at the time.

Early on, Americanization Day was observed and celebrated through rallies held across the nation to promote patriotism. Eventually, the holiday evolved into what we now know as Loyalty Day in 1949. Once the Second Red Square rolled around in the 1950s, the fear of communism and anarchy rekindled the relevancy of Loyalty Day. This annual holiday was officially designated as a holiday by Congress in 1958. Ever since the holiday became official, every sitting President has issued a proclamation to commemorate the day each year.

How to Observe Loyalty Day

There are many ways that you can observe Loyalty Day, especially if you want to bring more attention to the federal holiday. We’ve compiled a list of ideas to help you decide how you want to spend Loyalty Day this year.

1. Watch a Parade With Loved Ones

Parades occur in various cities across the country to commemorate Loyalty Day. If you live close to one of these cities, you can attend the parade with your friends and family to commemorate your loyalty to American and American values. If you don’t live close enough, you can always watch the live coverage on TV and make an event out of it in your home.

2. Host a Patriotic Event

Another way to celebrate America and your loyalty to American values is to host a patriotic event at your home. Like the Fourth of July, you can celebrate by hosting a cookout, potluck, or another event that encourages family and friends to gather together to enjoy each other's company. You can play a sport among friends and family and even shoot off small fireworks once the sun sets.

3. Volunteer Your Time

There are plenty of volunteer opportunities in the United States that help various groups with unique issues. You can choose to volunteer with veterans, people struggling with homelessness, children, and other groups. Doing something with your community can help foster a sense of belonging that you can’t find anywhere else.

4. Visit Museums

If you want to learn more about the history of the United States during one of our patriotic holidays or educate the tough in your family, you can attend one of many museums scattered across the country. You can find museums that detail the nation’s history at various points in time, so you’re not likely to run out of historical places to visit.

We at MLC Hope You Have a Joyous Loyalty Day

Loyalty Day does not have the vast popularity other Federal observances have. There are parades celebrating Loyalty Day in some parts of the country. It also is the official kick-off to National Military Appreciation Month every year. Even though it is not overly celebrated, we hope you can take time to reflect and celebrate our American freedoms on this year’s Loyalty Day.