Internet denizens are splitting their sides at the thought of US President Donald Trump proclaiming May 1 "Loyalty Day." However, the seemingly wacky nationalist day has little to do with the divisive Republican and was officially cooked up in the 1950s.

In a statement released by the White House, Trump proclaimed May 1, 2017 "Loyalty Day," urging people to reaffirm their dedication to the United States of America.

“The loyalty of our citizenry sends a clear signal to our allies and enemies that the United States will never yield from our way of life.

“Through the Department of Defense and other national security agencies, we are working to destroy ISIS, and to secure for all Americans the liberty terrorists seek to extinguish,” the proclamation states.

“We humbly thank our brave service members and veterans who have worn our nation’s uniform… Their unwavering loyalty and fidelity has made the world a safer, more free, and more just place.”

The notion of a "Loyalty Day" was met with derision and hoots of laughter online. This is “the creepiest thing” Trump has done, wrote one commenter.

Others compared the day to an event that might happen in North Korea or Russia.

This is the kind of thing tin pot dictators do. #MayDay2017#VetsAgainstTrumphttps://t.co/qNlV9U0x0b — Vets Against Trump (@Vets_Vs_Trump) April 29, 2017

@FoxNews Friday, his highness #45 proclaims Loyalty Day. & expects ceremonies in schools & other public places on Mon. Thanks for the heads up! — Josie Jo (@LetHopePrevail) April 29, 2017

@FoxNews This is the creepiest thing Trump has done. https://t.co/SuN4HiOuon — Michael Salfino (@MichaelSalfino) April 29, 2017

2017 political analysis pic.twitter.com/MdxmCd9RyS — Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) April 29, 2017

If I were like, the worst president ever & wanted to make my critics look like traitors, I would declare May 1st Loyalty Day. — Onision (@Onision) April 29, 2017

@FoxNews I love Trump, a lot, but this sounds a lot like some North Korea/Jonestown type shit — Proud Conservative (@BeardyMcJ) April 29, 2017

They said 'Loyalty Day' is to uphold 'the inherent dignity of every human being'-a few days after launching a hotline for 'removable aliens' https://t.co/UBtnKXfANI — Hend Amry (@LibyaLiberty) April 29, 2017

@FoxNews Gee, sounds like something Russia & North Korea do. — Shelby (@shelbeeray) April 29, 2017

But Trump proclaiming "Loyalty Day" does not mean he invented it. It has been around for decades. In fact, "Loyalty Day" was a thing under President Obama, who kept his proclamation free from military and terrorism references in 2016.

It’s also been proclaimed by pretty much every commander-in-chief, including President Richard Nixon, since it was officially recognised by Congress in 1955.

“Loyalty Day is a special day for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom,” according to the federal statute on the celebration.

“The president is requested to issue a proclamation calling on United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all government buildings on Loyalty Day and inviting the people of the United States to observes Loyalty Day with appropriate ceremonies in schools and other suitable places.”

So basically the US government has been asking for citizens’ unwavering, rootin’-tootin’ support for decades - and not just under Trump.