[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 6246]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                            LOYALTY DAY 2000

 Mr. GRAMS. Mr. President, the true spirit of Americanism 
cannot truly be captured in the pages of history. It is not found in 
our vast acquired lands, nor is it printed in our two-century-old 
Constitution. Americanism is felt and entrenched deep in our soul. It 
is the goose bumps we get when hearing the Star Spangled Banner and the 
emotional chills that run through our veins when witnessing the 
changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The undying 
passion and loyalty we have for our nation is Americanism.
  John Adams understood this loyal, patriotic, American spirit when he 
wrote, ``Our obligations to our country never cease but with our 
lives.'' In fulfillment of that obligation, many lives have been 
sacrificed to guarantee our liberties for ourselves and our posterity. 
The loyalty and devotion demonstrated by the veterans of our Armed 
Forces must never be forgotten or discounted.
  Every year on May 1, our country takes the opportunity to celebrate 
that passionate allegiance and pay tribute to those before us who 
unselfishly ensured the continued success of America and strength of 
our democracy. Thanks to the efforts of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 
Congress mandated in 1958 that May 1 of each year shall be recognized 
as ``Loyalty Day.'' Across the nation, VFW posts express their 
steadfast commitment by sponsoring parades, hosting banquets and 
replacing worn flags in their communities.
  While Loyalty Day is an occasion to reminisce about past 
achievements, we should also take this opportunity to focus on our 
future. As history has repeatedly shown, challenges to our ideals of 
democracy are imminent. Each previous generation has shown valor in 
rising to face those challenges. Now the continued success of our 
nation relies on instilling in our young people an ardent appreciation 
for our American ideals, so they may be prepared to face future 
obstacles.
  Each of us in our own unique way can show our commitment to the 
ideals upon which this nation was founded. Whether flying the flag, 
visiting a monument, teaching a child the Pledge of Allegiance or 
simply thanking a veteran, I ask that you join me today in celebrating 
Loyalty Day. I encourage everyone to discover the passion of our 
forefathers and experience the pride of true Americanism.

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