COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – On Monday, May 1, Boys Home Program Director Kenny Bess welcomed Shawn Wright, commander of Curtis A. Smith VFW Post 1033, to their campus to discuss the significance of Loyalty Day.
Loyalty Day, observed annually on May 1, is a day dedicated to recognizing the heritage of American freedom. Established as a legal holiday in 1958, Loyalty Day has been acknowledged by every U.S. president since President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s proclamation in 1955. The day emphasizes faithfulness and devotion to one’s country, group or cause.
The American’s Creed, a summary of the nation’s political faith, was created through a contest in which participants were asked to write a National Creed.
The Creed states, “I believe in the United States of America as a Government of the people, by the people and for the people, whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a Republic; a sovereign Nation of many sovereign states; a perfect Union, one and inseparable; established upon those principals of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes. I, therefore, believe it is my duty to my Country to love it; to support its Constitution; to obey its laws; to respect its flag and to defend it against all enemies.”
The winner of the contest, William Tyler Page, referring to the Creed said, “It is the summary of the fundamental principles of the American political faith as set forth in its greatest documents, its worthiest traditions and its greatest leaders.” His wording of the Creed used passages and phrases from the Declaration of Independence, the Preamble to the Constitution, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and Daniel Webster’s reply to Robert Y. Hayne in the Senate in 1830.
Wright concluded her presentation by stating, “We must not forget that sacrifices will continue to be demanded of our military as they fight and protect us against the new evils of today. This Loyalty Day, let us reaffirm that embracing the truth of what defines us as one American people in our dedication to common ideals – rather than similarities of origin or creed. Let us reaffirm that embracing this truth lies at the heart of what it means to be a citizen in the United States of America.”
The event concluded with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
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