In memory of our fathers and mothers

23 May 2008 by Libbi.

One Nation United in One Moment - You are Asked to Join Together at 3:00 pm, Local Time, on Memorial Day, for the National Moment of Remembrance

WASHINGTON, May 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — All citizens are asked to pause in their Memorial Day activities at 3 p.m. Monday, May 26, to respectfully honor the memory of those who died in the service of our nation.

The idea of the National Moment of Remembrance was formed when Carmella LaSpada, a long-time advocate for America’s fallen, asked school children, “What does Memorial Day mean to you?” They responded, “It’s the day the pool opened.” Those young people were not the only ones who misunderstood Memorial Day. According to a Gallup Poll, only 28% of Americans knew the meaning of Memorial Day. Ms. LaSpada was determined to put “Memorial” back in Memorial Day to ensure those who died for our country would never be forgotten. In 2000, Ms. LaSpada inspired Congress to establish the White House Commission on Remembrance. The National Moment of Remembrance was born.

The President’s Memorial Day Proclamation calls on Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance. The Moment will be observed at the International Space Station, The Statue of Liberty, the USS New Jersey and the Empire State Building. Members of Congress, state and local officials will observe the National Moment of Remembrance, as will the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, and members of our military as well as their families.

Major League Baseball games will pause at 3 p.m., local time, while 200 Amtrak trains whistle their participation and The National Memorial Day Parade halts for the Moment. Members of Bugles Across America will play Taps for the Moment at sites throughout our nation.

“The Moment is a time to pause, reflect and remember. It is a portion of our commitment to ‘Live Honoring America’s Fallen’ by showing respect for their sacrificial service. We want our citizens to contemplate the ties that bind us together. We want every man, woman and child to say ‘I know why I am free and I respectfully honor those who died for my freedom,’” said Ms. LaSpada, Executive Director of the Commission. One nation united in one moment.

More information about the National Moment of Remembrance and the White House Commission on Remembrance can be found at http://www.remember.gov/.

Source: White House Commission on Remembrance

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