You also might know this Sunday, May 4, American Veterans Post 88 ("AMVETS") is hosting the 50th Annual Loyalty Day Parade in Massapequa. At 1:00 p.m., rain or shine, the parade will begin at the corner of North Utica Avenue and Broadway in North Massapequa, traveling south on Broadway and concludes at the corner of New Hampshire Avenue, just across from Post 88. Help them make this a great success. Bring your family and help salute those who are serving and those who have served. Contact Information: Ray Easley, Sergeant Major, 516.742.8995. For those who don't know about Loyalty Day, the short answer is it's an annual proclamation reaffirming the 1958 law setting aside May 1st as a special day for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom. For the long answer, read on. Loyalty Day 2008 A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America Americans believe that every man, woman, and child has unalienable rights, dignity, and matchless value. Advancing these ideals was the honorable vision of our Founders and the mission that helped shape this great country. On Loyalty Day, we celebrate the legacy of freedom and the shared ideals that bind us together. Our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen demonstrate their love of country by stepping forward when America needs them most. By putting our country's security before their own, the men and women of the Armed Forces have strengthened our Nation and brought hope to millions around the world. All Americans are grateful to the members of the military and their families for their service, sacrifice, and dedication, and we are proud of their accomplishments. Through their good works, our Nation's volunteers bear witness to their steadfast love for America, as exemplified in their commitment to service and good citizenship. Loyalty to this country brings with it a commitment to aid our family, friends, and fellow citizens all across this broad and welcoming land. These volunteers demonstrate their gratitude for the blessings of freedom by helping build a more hopeful future for our children and grandchildren. All Americans can put their loyalty into practice by learning more about the history of our country, flying the American flag, and contributing to our communities. Two hundred and thirty-two years after the founding of our country, we remain committed to advancing freedom and renewing the values that sustain our liberty. Through the spirit and determination of our people, our Nation will prosper and our liberty will be secure. The Congress, by Public Law 85-529, as amended, has designated May 1 of each year as "Loyalty Day." This Loyalty Day, and throughout the year, I ask all Americans to join me in reaffirming our allegiance to our Nation. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2008, as Loyalty Day. I call upon all people of the United States to join in support of this national observance and to display the flag of the United States on Loyalty Day as a symbol of pride in our Nation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second. GEORGE W. BUSH 1958 Law Enactment Statement by the President (Dwight D. Eisenhower) Upon Signing Resolution Designating May as Loyalty Day. July 18th, 1958 I HAVE TODAY approved House Joint Resolution Number 479, designating May 1 as Loyalty Day, and calling for its appropriate observance by the people of this Nation. I am in accord with its purposes. The naming of May 1st as Loyalty Day conflicts, however, with the observance of that day as Child Health Day pursuant to joint resolution passed by the Congress in 1928. I therefore urge that the Congress enact legislation amending the act of May 28, 1928, by substituting the first Monday in October for May 1 as Child Health Day, thus avoiding the conflict that would otherwise result from simultaneous observances for different purposes. NOTE: As enacted, House Joint Resolution 479 is Public Law 85-529. +This Week's Almost Not Commented on Story - Be At Peace, My Brother... MIRACLE' MARINE DIES; TERRIBLY BURNED IN IRAQ SERGEANT DIES OF COMPLICATIONS; 'AN INSPIRATION TO AMERICANS EVERYWHERE' -- Marine Sgt. Merlin German, 22, of New York City, died on April 11 at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, from wounds suffered during combat in Iraq in 2002. A Marine sergeant who became a symbol of resilience as he strove to recover from a roadside bomb blast in Iraq that blanketed 97 percent of his body with burns has died, the Defense Department said. The former turret gunner was dubbed the "Miracle Man" for his determination in facing his wounds, which cost the former saxophone player his fingers and rippled his face with scars. He endured more than 40 surgeries, spent 17 months in a hospital and had to learn to walk again. Meanwhile, he started a charity, Merlin's Miracles, to aid child burn victims and considered college and a career. "Sometimes I do think I can't do it," he told The Associated Press last year. "Then I think: Why not? I can do whatever I want. ... Nobody has ever been 97 percent dead and survived, and lived to walk." German had been stationed at Camp Pendleton, Calif. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that the state Capitol's flags would be flown at half-staff in German's honor, saying the sergeant's "courage and unfailing loyalty serve as an inspiration to Americans everywhere." --- Regards, Walt Schmidt