"The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart. . .should swell into a mighty chorus of remembrance, gratitude and rededication on this solemn occasion."
---Abraham Lincoln
Nation to Pause to Remember Our Fallen Heroes on Memorial Day
The White House Commission on Remembrance today announced highlights of activities that will unfold across the country at 3:00 p.m. local time on May 25 as Americans pause to remember the nation's fallen heroes. The President, in his Memorial Day Proclamation, will call on Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance. Observances include: Major League Baseball games will stop, the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. will halt, Amtrak trains will blow their whistles, Buglers Across America will play "Taps," and the National Grocers Association and Food Marketing Institute will ask shoppers to pause in stores nationwide to remember our fallen. Join them and millions of others in observing the Moment at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.
Citizens are asked to pause, wherever they may be for the Moment, and reflect on the sacrifices made for our freedoms, and commit to Live Honoring America's Fallen.
"We want our citizens to contemplate the ties that bind us and take a moment to put 'Memorial' back into Memorial Day!" said Carmella LaSpada, the Commission's Director.
The Moment is a new American tradition--a time to renew the values upon which America was founded, to commit to serving our country, and reflect on the history of sacrifices made for freedom.
The Moment was created by the Commission after its Director asked a group of children visiting our Nation's Capitol, "What is the meaning of Memorial Day?" Their reply was, "It's the day the pools open." Their innocent response, combined with a Gallup Poll that revealed that only 28% of Americans know the true meaning of this holiday, launched the National Moment of Remembrance.
About The White House Commission on Remembrance
The White House Commission on Remembrance was established by Congress on December 28, 2000 in the Remembrance Act, Public Law 101-579, to honor America's fallen and their families and to unite the country in the National Moment of Remembrance on Memorial Day.
4 comments:
May we celebrate the lives of these soldiers even as we mourn their passing!
May we look after their families, as they look after us!
And always live lives worthy of their sacrifice!
Well said, WS.
Meanwhile, the President of the United States plays golf.
It is unbelievable that Obama was on the golf course at all, let alone at 3:00.
As president, you'd think that he could have devoted the day to remembering the fallen. He could have visited with families.
He could have gone to visit the injured at Walter Reed, not play golf.
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