Greenwood VFW to hold Loyalty Day ceremony May 1
Grab a mask, social distance and meet with VFW and Auxiliary members as they gather near the Memorial Monument in front of Greenwood Memorial VFW Post 7478 Saturday, May 1, at 4:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend the brief Loyalty Day Service at the corner of Mill Street and Governors Avenue in Greenwood.
Saturday is the first day of May 2021. For the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary, May 1 is a very special day of observance. It is designated as Loyalty Day by a Joint Resolution of the U.S. Congress, and the president proclaimed it to be so that the first day of May of each year is designated as Loyalty Day as of the year 1958. The day is to be set aside as a special day for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States of America and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom. President Joe Biden is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon officials of the government to display the flag of the United States on all government buildings on such day and inviting the people of the United States to observe Loyalty Day in schools and other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies. This year some public celebrations and school observances cannot be held, but people can do something suitable for the times.
The passage of this particular act marked a major highlight in a long history of Americanism achievements by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. It was a reaction to the Communists, who used May Day as a venue to display an annual hate demonstration against the U.S.A., but today, Loyalty Day is a reminder to encourage loyal Americans to publicly speak out against individuals who advocate the overthrow of the government. It is a positive patriotic reaction by the majority of citizens to show love and pride of country, and the desire to remain free citizens and be willing to defend freedom. May 1 is a day when people pledge to maintain a free society in which loyalty is respected and encouraged.
So, fly the American flag, pledge allegiance to the U.S. flag, line post home sidewalks with U.S. flags and POW/MIA flags, tell the VFW and Auxiliary’s story, thank local police departments and elected officials for all they do to maintain peace, law and order in the country and communities. Fly the U.S. flag on one’s property.
New ways to celebrate Loyalty Day can involve the entire family. It can also be a time of saying thank you to all the people who are keeping people safe and serving during these trying times: health care providers, police officers and fire departments, nonprofits and average American citizens pitching in wherever and however they can, the entire trucking industry, government officials and school systems. Remember veterans, active-duty military and their families who make/made the U.S.A. safe and sacrifice their lives to keep citizens free. Decorate a porch, doorway, windows with bunting, flags and whatever patriotic items.
