May Day In America: 'Law Day' Created By Eisenhower In 1958 Still Celebrated Today

May Day is being celebrated all across the world today, May 1^st. The secular holiday, is often marked by protest and exhibitions from progressive and labor-related groups demanding their foreseen needs of the day. In Zuccotti Park, New York City, as well as nearby Washington Square, the social group Occupy Wall Street is holding demonstrations to mark the day also known as International Workers Day.

However, in 1958, President Dwight Eisenhower officially recognized May Day as Law Day. His idea came about somewhat as a product of Americans' concern about the Cold War and the threat of communism. Law Day, still recognized as an official holiday, and recognizes the importance of the rule of law as well as the role of law as integral to the foundation of the United States of America.

Law Day is not necessarily aimed to be opponent of May Day, a time for recognition of workers' rights, but rather a day to reflect on how America has been shaped through evolution of the law. It is true that Americans often marvel at what man has created through the work of his hands. The American worker has built everything from the iconic Mack Truck to the new One World Trade Center tower in New York. However, without the existence of law in society, those fixtures likely would not exist.

President Barack Obama released an official statement Tuesday, commemorating Law Day in this way. Quoting from the Declaration of Independence, Obama reminded Americans that the Founders' belief in the rule of law gave rise to their desire for "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." He also well as paid homage to Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, noting noted how both documents forever changed the American experience.

One document offered the demand of Americans' freedom from British rule, and the other demanded personal liberty for all races. Using this newfound freedom, Americans were able to continue technological advancement, from the incandescent lightbulb to the microchip, everyday items that would likely not be created by a culture with a balance between rights and the law.

"Law Day is a chance to reaffirm the critical role our courts have always played in addressing those wrongs and aligning our Nation [sic] with its first principles," Obama wrote. He called for all Americans to "celebrate the history" of the role that law has played in their lives, recognizing Eisenhower's "Public Law 87-20", which commemorates Law Day.