While Americans enjoy the traditional summer kick-off weekend with vacations, backyard barbecues, pool openings and picnics, the White House Commission on Remembrance is asking them to take a moment on Memorial Day to remember the true meaning of the holiday.
The National Moment of Remembrance was created “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,†according to the White House Commission of Remembrance Web site. The moment gives Americans a way to “participate in an act of national unity and demonstrate gratitude and respect for those who died for freedom since the founding of our nation.â€
Congress voted in December 2000 to set aside 3 p.m. on Memorial Day as the National Moment of Remembrance.
“The time 3 p.m. was chosen because it is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday,†the site explains.
As the motto for the Army Corps of Engineers goes, “Can Do!”
