"I am an American Day" was part of a celebration hosted nationwide. Starting in the late 1930s, this event, celebrated in early May, was a time when many foreign-born residents became American citizens. Emphasizing an American value of appreciating the contribution of immigrants to society, this event is also thought, in part, to have served the purpose of countering “May Day” celebrations that occurred at the same time of year. Very popular during the World War II period, the name of this event would be changed to “Citizenship Day” in later years. In Gary, the event was held in Memorial Auditorium.