Long before President Dwight D. Eisenhower declared May 1st to be Law Day, U.S.A., the first day of May was known as May Day: a day to remember the struggles of workers who were killed or oppressed in their fight for better wages and working conditions. Law Day was originally the idea of Charles S. Rhyne, Eisenhower’s legal counsel for a time, who was serving in 1957-1958 as the president of the American Bar Association.[1]
To dissuade citizens from being inspired by the populist tones of May Day, Eisenhower proclaimed May 1 to be Law Day, U.S.A. in 1958.[2] Its observance was later codified into law by Public Law 87-20 on April 7, 1961.[3]
In contrast, most countries celebrate May Day on the same date, as it is designated Labour Day or International Workers Day. Law Day, U.S.A., along with Loyalty Day, was created to counterbalance these celebrations, which were perceived as communist. On February 5, 1958, President Eisenhower recognized the first Law Day when he proclaimed that henceforth May 1 of each year would be Law Day. He stated “In a very real sense, the world no longer has a choice between force and law. If civilization is to survive it must choose the rule of law.” [4].
Now, many local bars and legal education associations, such as the Florida Law Related Education Association and the New York State Bar Association, use Law Day as a legal education tool, particularly for students.
Like Earth Day, Law Day is not a government holiday. In fact, few outside the legal community in the United States are even aware of the existence of Law Day.[citation needed] To celebrate Law Day, some local bar associations hold a luncheon, featuring speakers who discuss topics such as justice or the liberties provided for by the United States Constitution. Also, attorneys might visit schools and talk to students about the American legal system.
36 U.S.C. § 113 states, in part:[5].
Law Day, U.S.A., is a special day of celebration by the people of the United States—
(1) in appreciation of their liberties and the reaffirmation of their loyalty to the United States and of their rededication to the ideals of equality and justice under law in their relations with each other and with other countries; and
(2) for the cultivation of the respect for law that is so vital to the democratic way of life.
All of the above was copied/pasted from Wikipedia; please see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_Day,_U.S.A