Loyalty Day, 2010

Proclamation 8512 of April 29, 2010

Loyalty Day, 2010

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On July 4, 1776, after the adoption of the Declaration
of Independence, the Continental Congress of the newly
formed United States of America appointed a committee
to design a national seal. Our Founders set out to
create a visible symbol of our sovereign country to
inspire all our citizens and to represent us abroad.

An initial sketch depicted a banner bearing the Latin
motto, ``E Pluribus Unum,'' or, ``Out of many, one.''
After years of deliberation and multiple drafts of the
emblem's design, the final seal displayed an eagle with
outstretched wings, clenching a banner in its beak with
those powerful words emblazoned across it. It became a
cherished creed, representing the foundation of our
national values. As a union of States and a Nation of
immigrants from every part of the world, we are bound
as one people by our adherence to common ideals:
individual equality, constitutional liberty, and the
rule of law.

Over two centuries since our Founders established our
Republic and our freedom, the firm resolve that ran in
their veins still courses through our own. Since then,
countless loyal Americans have risen to preserve our
Union and the blessings bestowed upon us. Today,
whether singing the national anthem, watching our flag
billow in the breeze, or seeing the hope in a young
child's eyes, each of us can still feel the patriotism
and respect for one another that defines us as a
people. It is the same love of country that drives our
Armed Forces to shoulder the responsibility of
defending our citizens and our values. We will forever
stand united against any force that seeks to divide us,
finding strength in our diversity and inspiration in
the sacrifices of our forebears.

The Congress, by Public Law 85-529 as amended, has
designated May 1 of each year as ``Loyalty Day.'' On
this day, we honor the legacy of these United States,
and we remember all those who have fought to defend our
freedom.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 1,
2010, as Loyalty Day. This Loyalty Day, I call upon the
people of the United States to join in this national
observance, to display the flag of the United States,
and to pledge true and steadfast allegiance to the
Republic for which it stands.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-ninth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.