Presidential Proclamations
Loyalty Day was signed into law and made an official holiday by the U.S Congress on July 18, 1958 (Public Law 85-529). Following the passage of this law, President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed May 1, 1959 the first official observance of Loyalty Day. The President issues an official proclamation of Loyalty Day in accordance with the 1958 Congressional declaration, as have many of his predecessors:
By the President of the United States of America;
John F. Kennedy, Loyalty Day 1963: “Dedication, devotion, and loyalty to our country and to the free democratic precepts upon which it was founded has always been a cherished tradition with our people-from our Founding Fathers to our servicemen now serving in the far-flung corners of the world. . .”
Gerald R. Ford, Loyalty Day 1975: “It is now nearly two hundred years since America's Independence was sought and won. Then, as today, the achievement of our Nation's goals was met through the devoted efforts of Americans who gave loyal service. . .”
Jimmy Carter, Loyalty Day 1977: “Loyalty, however we may choose to define it, must dwell in our hearts as well as our minds"
Ronald Regan, Loyalty Day 1981: “Throughout our history, all Americans have toiled together to build this land into the freest and most prosperous Nation on earth. And when the times required it, our people stood shoulder-to-shoulder proclaiming to any in the world who would threaten, that all were Americans and proud of it. . . “
William Clinton, Loyalty Day 1999: ”On this day, let us reflect with pride on our great country and remember with gratitude the contributions of the many loyal and courageous Americans who have given so much of themselves both at home and around the world to preserve our freedom. . . “
George Bush, Loyalty Day 2007: “America was founded by patriots who risked their lives to bring freedom to our Nation. Today, our citizens are grateful for our Founding Fathers and confident in the principles that lead us forward. On Loyalty Day, we celebrate the blessings of freedom and remember our responsibility to continue our legacy of liberty. . .”
Barack Obama, Loyalty Day 2009: "We enjoy these blessings of liberty only because brave patriots have answered the call of duty. The men and women of the United States Armed Forces exemplify loyalty to our highest ideals, as do those who have fought valiantly within our boarders. These Americans and many others have made enormous sacrifices and our Nation is grateful for their selflessness and unshakeable loyalty. . ."
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