VFW Post 8904, Auxiliary Observe Loyalty Day

May 4, 2022 - Members of VFW Post 8904 and Auxiliary gathered with members of the community to recognize Loyalty Day May 2, 2022, at the Shelby County Veterans Memorial beside the 1885 Historic Courthouse.

"Loyalty Day, today, celebrates everything from the moment we delivered the Declaration of Independence to the British to the moment that we gathered here this morning," stated Hume. "Loyalty Day is a celebration of America and everything our country stands for."

He explained, Loyalty Day asks Americans to pause for a moment and look back to reflect on where we have been and search ahead to where we desire our nation to head.

"Originally observed as Americanization Day in 1921, and enacted into public law by Congress in 1958, Loyalty Day celebrates the legacy of freedom and the shared ideals that bind our nation together," said Hume. "While initially established to counterbalance the May 1st celebration of the Communist Party in the United States, this day has endured as a permanent fixture on America's calendar."

Hume remarked that even with the diminishment of the communist threat over the years, and with the potential for recent revitalization, Loyalty Day continues to be a day worth recognizing.

"Today we must remind ourselves, and others, that there's no substitution for loyalty and we must pledge ourselves to maintain a free society in which loyalty is respected and encouraged," said Hume. "Loyalty Day is set aside for the re-acclimation of loyalty to the United States and for recognition of the heritage of American freedoms."

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in reaffirmation of allegiance to the United States of America and in tribute of American freedoms.

Shelby County Sheriff Kevin Windham placed a wreath in honor and recognition of Loyalty Day.

Hume asked those present to share what American freedoms they are thankful to have and he stated he is thankful for the freedom of the group to be gathered on Loyalty Day without fear of reprisal.

"We can voice our opinions among our fellow citizens, and I'm even more thankful that every time our VFW and Auxiliary visit here we will always find a group of loyal Americans," said Hume.

Other freedoms mentioned by the audience included freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of movement, freedom to vote, and freedom of the press. Hume remarked those are freedoms many around the world wish they had.

At the finale of the program Leigh Porterfield, Center Mayor Pro-Tem, sang "God Bless America."