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PROCLAMATION 3775-APR. 6, 1967

[81 STAT.

assert the undemocratic and arrogant claim to speak for the society as a whole. I n 1967, Loyalty Day has a special meaning. F a r away in Vietnam, our young men are demonstrating by their bravery, and commitment to the freedom of others, the ultimate obligations loyalty can impose. Loyalty Day 1967 thus becomes an opportunity for the vast majority in America—while respecting the right of dissent—to affirm their conviction that freedom is indivisible, their realization that the cruel burden of war must be carried, and their heartfelt gratitude to those who are risking their lives in harsh witness to our ideals. If we are to be worthy of their sacrifice, it is vital that we demonstrate our active loyalty to the cause for which they fight. The badge of American loyalty should be more than a uniform. Enlightened loyalty requires that each citizen take the trouble to learn about, to discuss, to think through, the crucial issues of our time. Enlightened loyalty demands a commitment by the citizen to the daily life of his society. He must constantly strive to bring American practice into accord with American precepts.

36 USC 162.

Enlightened loyalty obligates every individual to act and speak in behalf of his beliefs, so the world will not mistake the clamor of dissenting activists for the true voice of the nation. I n recognition of these precepts, the Congress by a joint resolution of July 18^ 1958 (72 Stat. 369), designated May 1 of each year as Loyalty Day and requested the President to issue a proclamation inviting the people of the United States to observe each such day with appropriate ceremonies. NOW, THEREFORE, I, LYNDON B. JOHNSON, President of the United States of America, do call upon the people of the United States, and upon all patriotic, civic, and educational organizations, to observe Monday, May 1, 1967, as Loyalty Day, with appropriate ceremonies in which all of us may join in a reaffirmation of our loyalty to the United States of America. I Iso call upon appropriate officials of the Government to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on that day as a manifestation of our loyalty to the Nation which that flag symbolizes. I N W I T N E S S WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States of America to be affixed. D O N E at the City of Washington this sixth day of April in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and sixtyseven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and ninety-first.

By the President:

Secretary of State.

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