Loyalty Day, 2017

This proclamation designates May 1, 2017, as 'Loyalty Day' pursuant to Public Law 85-529, calling on Americans to observe the day with ceremonies including Pledge of Allegiance recitations and directing government officials to display the U.S. flag on government buildings. It contains commemorative language about American values, service members, and opposition to terrorism but creates no binding policy obligations beyond the ceremonial observance.

Federal Register Open PDF 82 FR 20809

Impact dates

May 1, 2017
Loyalty Day observance and flag display

Key directives

Proclaim May 1, 2017 as Loyalty Day
Call on all Americans to observe with appropriate ceremonies in schools and public places including Pledge of Allegiance recitation
Call upon all Government officials to display U.S. flag on all Government buildings and grounds on May 1, 2017

Who is ordered

all Government officials

Timeline

Immediate

May 1, 2017 designated as Loyalty Day

Near term (90d)

Flag display on government buildings for May 1, 2017

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

May 1 coincides with International Workers' Day/May Day, creating historical tension with labor movements
Proclamation's emphasis on 'limited government' and opposition to 'lawlessness' carries implicit political framing
Annual recurring nature (per Public Law 85-529) means no enduring policy change from this specific proclamation