Before I leave my office for the day, I want to make you aware, if you are not already, of the National Moment of Remembrance scheduled for Monday, May 26 at 3:00 PM.
The following information is from www.remember.gov:
Memorial Day Event
The National Moment of Remembrance, established by Congress, asks Americans wherever they are at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day to pause in an act of national unity (duration: one minute).The time 3 p.m. was chosen because it is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday. The Moment does not replace traditional Memorial Day events; rather it is an act of national unity in which all Americans, alone or with family and friends, honor those who died for our freedom. It will help to reclaim Memorial Day as the sacred and noble holiday it was meant to be. In this shared remembrance, we connect as Americans.
How to Participate
Wherever you are, observe the Moment at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day. Ask others to remember—relatives, friends, church, neighborhood, or co-workers to observe the Moment at places such as your neighborhood, local pool, picnic grounds, etc., for one minute of Remembrance. Participation can be informal as ringing a bell three times to signify the Moment.
Why
To provide a time of Remembrance for America’s fallen and to make a commitment to give something back to our country in their memory. To have Americans participate in an act of national unity and demonstrate gratitude and respect for those who died
for freedom since the founding of our Nation. To provide a sense of history to our citizens and ensure that younger generations understand the sacrifices made to preserve our liberties.
Background
The idea for the Moment was born when children touring the Nation’s Capital were asked by the Commission’s Director what Memorial Day means. They responded, “That’s the day the pool opens.” A Gallup Poll revealed that only 28% of Americans know the meaning of this noble holiday. The White House Commission on Remembrance was established by Congress (PL 106-579) to promote the values of Memorial Day by acts of remembrance throughout the year. The major initiative of the Commission is the National Moment of Remembrance.
Please pass this on and remember to remember on Monday. We all owe these heroes so much more than 60 seconds of our time.
Ken Tharp
Copyright © 2008 By Ken Tharp, All Rights Reserved. * Memorial Day - A National Moment of Remembrance *
Hi Ken;
On memorial day we should all remember and honor those who died for our freedom, and show national unity as a nation.
Ken, your post is a reminder of the true significance of Memorial Day. I read the other day that almost 4,100 men and women have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today I read that WWII Veterans are passing at a rate of more than 1,000 per day. I think 60 seconds of our time is not too much to ask. I will spend some time this weekend visiting with my Dad who is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Good Post and thanks for the reminder.
Anthony - Thank you for commenting, and thanks for your own blog post about Memorial Day. I agree with your comments wholeheartedly.
Thank you again. Best wishes for a blessed holiday this weekend.
- Ken
Michael - Thank you for your comments. I agree, 60 seconds is the least we can do. My family and I traveled to Washington DC last summer for the first time and experienced all of the wonderful things that are available there. Arlington National Cemetary made an incredible impact on me. For anyone reading this who has not been there, you must go to better understand our heritage. Our country may have some deficiencies, but it is the greatest country in the world and we must work to preserve it.
Thanks again. Best wishes for a blessed holiday this weekend.
- Ken