May 1, a day every American should remember.

It’s a day Congress set aside 61 years ago to celebrate the legacy of freedom and shared ideals of America. May 1 is Loyalty Day.

But as the years went by, Loyalty Day has been overlooked and undervalued, except at the Nesquehoning VFW Post 8008.

“Loyalty Day is the forgotten holiday,” said Richard Ellis, commander of VFW District 20. “On St. Patrick’s Day everyone is Irish. Four days from now, May 5, everyone is Mexican. On May 1, everybody should be American.”

On Wednesday, members of the post gathered to honor Loyalty Day, recognize those who have served the post and this country and remember what past generations sacrificed and endured to ensure our freedoms.

Post Commander Matthew DeHart welcomed everyone to the program.

“Loyalty Day remains worth recognizing, bringing back into focus the great principles of freedom and the democratic values that define our nation,” he said. “This day celebrates everything from the moment we delivered our Declaration of Independence to the British to the moment we gathered here today.”

Borough Mayor Sam Kitchko then read a proclamation for Loyalty Day before receiving the first poppy from Poppy King Anthony Santore. Poppy Queen Sarah DeHart was unable to attend.

Guest speaker Henry Desrosiers, director of the Carbon County Veterans Affairs office, said that Americans should demonstrate their loyalty to the country not only on holidays, but throughout the year by helping others and making this country the best it can be.

Following remarks, the post honored eight people for their service to the post and the community.

• Manuel Filloy received the regular member award.

• Brothers Paul and Thomas Kattner received the auxiliary members award. Paul said he was honored to receive this because it was 29 years ago that his father had also received the award.

• Joseph Drosdak received the veteran social member award.

• William Lower received the social member award.

• Robert Susko of Susko Wealth Management, who was unable to attend, was this year’s business award recipient.

• Nathan Filloy, who was unable to attend, and Mary Arieta received special awards.

The evening closed with remarks from Christa Kattner, post auxiliary president, who explained that the Nesquehoning VFW is the only veterans post in Northeastern Pennsylvania to still celebrate Loyalty Day.