Trump directs Americans to note ‘Loyalty Day’

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump is adopting his own definition of “Loyalty Day,” telling Americans to mark Monday by celebrating their individual liberties, limited government, and human dignity.

It’s a designation made by his predecessors for decades. Workers elsewhere in the U.S. call May 1 “May Day” and were protesting Trump’s immigration policies.

Trump is recommending specific ways Americans should mark the day — by flying flags over government buildings and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. His proclamation also mentions the Republican priority of “limited government” and the nation’s determination to defeat the Islamic State group.

“The loyalty of our citizenry sends a clear signal to our allies and enemies that the United States will never yield from our way of life,” Trump wrote in a proclamation on Friday. “We are working to destroy ISIS, and to secure for all Americans the liberty terrorists seek to extinguish.”

“Loyalty Day” has been marked by presidents at least back to Dwight Eisenhower. Trump’s proclamation does differ in tone from his immediate predecessors, who tended to stick to lofty statements on the ideals that bind Americans together.