While there are many in our country who simply want to enjoy the freedom and liberty that comes with being an American, it’s crucial to understand that such benefits come at a high cost. Part of that cost is understanding how that freedom and liberty was secured; and what maintains it from generation to generation. It isn’t our military. It isn’t any political party or elected official. The responsibility lies solely with us, and our loyalty to the principles on which this nation has existed for nearly 250 years.
Loyalty Day is observed on May 1st each year: it’s a special holiday meant for us to reaffirm our loyalty to the United States of America; and recognize the heritage of our American freedom. While first recognized on May 1, 1955, Loyalty Day became an official annual holiday on July 18, 1958.
I hope you will join me in observing Loyalty Day by doing two very easy things over the next week: read the Declaration of Independence, a short letter from our founders to the world. It’s available at the National Archives website https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript
The second is to become familiar with the United States Constitution, and what its 7 Articles and 27 Amendments actually say. It’s a short document, and very easy to understand. It’s available at https://constitutionus.com/
By learning more about our founding documents, we can have a far deeper appreciation for how fragile our freedoms are; and why our loyalty to time-proven American principles is so important to guard them against those who seek to take them away from us for any reason.
We must also actively participate in our civic responsibilities like voting. Active participation means that we spend a few minutes to research the candidates; their voting records or past achievements; and whether what they say aligns with what they do.
Attending local government meetings helps us understand the political process; and hold our elected officials accountable. It’s now up to you and me to defend American freedom for future generations.
