Loyalty Day Honors Patriots

WEST CAPE MAY – About 50 people, including school children, veterans, and a World War II prisoner of war, reaffirmed America’s principles of freedom and democracy May 1 during a Loyalty Day ceremony. The annual event was sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 386 and its auxiliary, and the borough. 
“We must keep in the forefront of our minds, our most patriotic of citizens and our most honorable and courageous Americans,” said Pat Wolf, president of the VFW Auxiliary. She referred to “those who have fought, and those who are fighting today to maintain our liberty and way of life. It is crucial to the American way that it remains a priority to distinguish all of our service members who sacrifice so much to protect our democracy and self-governed values, the very ideals upon which this nation was founded.”
Originally known as “Americanization Day” in 1921 during the “First Red Scare,” Loyalty Day was intended to replace the May Day celebration of the International Workers’ Day.
Loyalty Day was recognized by the U.S. Congress and made an official reoccurring holiday in 1958.
On May 1, 1930, about 10,000 veterans of foreign wars staged a rally in New York City’s Union Square to promote patriotism. When proclaimed a holiday, Congress designated it a day to foster loyalty and love of the country.
“Though the Communist threat has greatly subsided over the years,” added Wolf, “Loyalty Day has continued to be a day worth recognizing to reaffirm the American principles of freedom and democracy.”
Johnnie Walker, the Disabled American Veterans adjutant, spoke on behalf of Vincent Pale, World War II prisoner of war, and Villas resident.
Pale, decorated with his military medals and patches, admitted he “doesn’t have the words anymore” as he nodded and listened to Walker tell the tales of how his plane was one of seven of the 453rd Bomb Group, 2nd Air Division, Eighth Air Force, that did not return from its 14th mission April 8, 1944.
His crewmates died, and he found himself in German territory after the plane was severely damaged. At 21 years of age, he was a prisoner of war until May 1945.
Walker also spoke about Pale’s founding of a chapter of the American Ex-Prisoners of War in Philadelphia, now one of the largest in the country.
Pale, advocating for other veterans and prisoners of war also has helped the families of his crew mates over the years.
Students from West Cape May Elementary and Cape May City Elementary schools participated in the event. They sang patriotic songs and recited patriotic poems they had written.
Other speakers included Gerald Thornton, Cape May County freeholder director; Assemblyman R. Bruce Land (D-1st); Peter Burke, West Cape May deputy mayor; Cape May City Mayor Clarence “Chuck” Lear; Cape May Point Deputy Mayor Robert “Bob” Mullock, and VFW Post 386 member Col. Rich Nowalski.
They spoke about their experiences, reflecting on American principles and encouraging the students to continue to develop their patriotism.
Dot Jarmon, an Auxiliary member who has organized the event for more than 25 years, also explained how she got involved and had carried on the tradition of the celebration. She noted all the support she has received through the years.
“The U.S.A. is a place where human dignity is treasured above all, where American ideals allow for growth, distinction and provide an opportunity for success,” noted Wolf. “Generations of our citizens endured many struggles to sustain our freedom and to uphold the guiding values of our founding fathers.
“As we look to the future with confidence and hope, we can take pride in knowing that these legacies of freedom, so gallantly defended by so many, will be there for generations to come.”
To contact Karen Knight, email kknight@cmcherald.com.