Patriotic Holidays in May
May is National Military Appreciation month. It is a month-long observance in the United States dedicated to the men and women serving in the United States military. These are some of the patriotic days that are celebrated in May.
Sources: VFW.org & Wikipedia.org
May 1 – Loyalty Day
Loyalty Day is a day set aside for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States and for recognizing the heritage of American freedom. Loyalty Day originally began as “Americanization Day” in 1921 as a counter to the Communists’ May 1 celebration of the Russian Revolution. On May 1, 1930, 10,000 VFW members staged a rally at New York’s Union Square to promote patriotism. Through a resolution adopted in 1949, May 1 evolved into Loyalty Day. Observances began on April 28, 1950, and culminated on May 1, when more than five million people across the nation held rallies. In New York City, more than 100,000 people rallied for America. In 1958, Congress enacted Public Law 529 proclaiming Loyalty Day a permanent fixture on the nation’s calendar.
May 8 – V-E Day (Victory in Europe Day)
Victory in Europe Day (commonly known as V-E Day), marks the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces, therefore marking the end of World War II. On April 30, Adolf Hitler, the Nazi leader, committed suicide during the Battle of Berlin. Germany’s surrender, therefore, was authorized by his successor, Reichspräsident Karl Dönitz. The act of military surrender was signed on May 7 in Reims, France and on May 8 in Berlin, Germany. Upon defeat of Germany (Italy having already surrendered), cheers could be heard throughout the world. In the United States, the victory happened on President Harry Truman’s 61st birthday, and massive celebrations took place in Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami and New York.
Third Saturday in May – Armed Forces Day
Armed Forces Day is a day to honor Americans currently serving in all branches of the U.S. military as well as the National Guard and Reserve units. Led by the effort of President Harry S. Truman to establish a single day for Americans to thank the nation’s military members for their service to our country, Armed Forces Day was created on August 31, 1949, following the unification of the armed forces under the U.S. Department of Defense. First observed on May 20, 1950, the day was designed to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard Days, but the separate days are still observed, particularly within their respective services.
May 30 (Traditional); Observed Last Monday in May – Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a day to honor the men and women who died while serving in America’s Armed Forces. Originally called “Decoration Day,” it originated after the Civil War to commemorate those who died in the war by decorating their graves. It was declared “Memorial Day” by federal law in 1967, by which time the remembrance had been extended to honor all Americans who died while serving in America’s armed forces. Many people celebrate Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials; volunteers place American flags on every grave in national cemeteries. Memorial Day, May 30 (traditional), is a day sacred to all war veterans. America’s collective consciousness demands that all citizens be reminded of the deaths of their fellow countrymen. By honoring the nation’s war dead, we preserve their memory, and thus their service.
