[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
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

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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.
BARACK OBAMA