Loyalty Day, 2011

Proclamation 8666 of April 29, 2011

Loyalty Day, 2011

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

When our Nation's Founders adopted the Declaration of
Independence, they pledged to build a government that
represented America's highest ideals, a Union that
secured its people's sacred rights by ``deriving [its]
just powers from the consent of the governed.'' From
the Revolutionary War to the formation of our young
country, our Founders' commitment to this principle
never wavered. In the fall of 1787, America launched
its improbable experiment in democracy, embedding in
our Constitution the core values of liberty, equality,
and justice for all.

Throughout our proud history, Americans motivated by
loyalty and fidelity to these principles have worked to
perfect our Union. Our Constitution grants Americans
unprecedented freedoms and opportunities. We are free
to speak our minds, worship as we please, choose our
leaders, and criticize them when we disagree. The
liberties enshrined in our founding documents define us
as a people and a Nation, ensuring that every American
with the drive to work hard and play by the rules has
the chance to build a better life for their children
and grandchildren.

For over two centuries, Americans have looked with
pride and devotion on a Nation that reflects its
people's highest moral aspirations. On this day, we
celebrate our brave men and women in uniform and honor
those who gave their lives to keep our country safe and
free. We also reflect on the contributions of patriotic
civilians united by an understanding that citizenship
is not just a collection of rights, but also a set of
responsibilities.

The ideals upheld by our forebears have stirred the
resolute devotion of the American people and inspired
hope in the hearts of people from across the globe.
With trust in a future that keeps faith with our
history, we remain true to the promise of America and
the spirit that unites us all.

In order to recognize the American spirit of loyalty
and the sacrifices that so many have made for our
Nation, the Congress, by Public Law 85-529 as amended,
has designated May 1 of each year as ``Loyalty Day.''
On this day, let us reaffirm our allegiance to the
United States of America, our Constitution, and our
founding values.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 1,
2011, as Loyalty Day. This Loyalty Day, I call upon all
the people of the United States to join in support of
this national observance, whether by displaying the
flag of the United States or pledging 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 eleven, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.