A National Moment of Remembrance is officially held at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, which is May 26. The “Moment” became public law in December 2000.
All Americans are asked to stop whatever they are doing at 3 p.m. local time and pause for at least one minute to remember those who died in military service for our country.
The idea for the National Moment of Remembrance began in 1996. A nationwide concern developed when school children could not give the reason for the holiday. Some thought it recognized the beginning of summer. Others thought it was to take advantage of nice weather for a picnic or beach day.
Some folks blamed the 1971 federal law that moved certain holidays to Mondays to create three-day weekends. They said it took the focus off the remembrance tradition. With people enjoying camping, barbeques and other outdoor activities, they lost the original purpose of the holiday.
Many organizations took advantage of the long weekend to hold events. County fairs and various racing competitions became common.
Auto racing enthusiasts associate the fourth weekend in May with the Indianapolis 500. During the early twentieth century, older veterans opposed racing on Memorial Day weekend. Younger veterans at that time, particularly those who joined the American Legion when it was formed, thought the race was a fine way to enjoy the holiday.
In our area many families set up their summer mountain campsites. Others use the weekend to remove weeds and winter debris from around cabins or to do gardening at home.
Consequently, activities and festivities push the idea of remembrance to the back burner. Our legislature decided that it was necessary to remind folks to take at least one minute on Memorial Day to remember those who made our freedoms possible.
In the United States, Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May as a federal holiday. Non-essential government offices are closed. It is recognized by almost all schools and a great many businesses.
On Memorial Day the flag is raised at dawn but quickly lowered to half-mast in honor of the military deceased. At noon, the flag is raised again to the top as a sign that the deceased will not have died in vain.
Memorial Day is held to honor those who died during military service. Confederate Memorial Day was the originating tradition. Throughout the South, relatives held a day to remember those who had died during the Civil War.
The true purpose of the holiday is to provide time for remembrance. Through the course of our history, countless military personnel died serving our country and protecting our freedom.
Remembrance is an exercise that unites people. While remembering can be deeply personal, it also brings together people of various faiths, cultures and backgrounds.
These days American Legion partners with Chip Ganassi Racing for the “Be The One” campaign. Racing cars feature awareness regarding veteran mental health and suicide prevention.
We are cautioned not to say “Happy Memorial Day!” Develop a greeting that conveys awareness of the purpose of the day. Possibly ask others to pause and say, “Let’s take a moment for remembrance.” Simply, find a way to mention the purpose for the day.
Find a way on Memorial Day to honor those who died not in vain. Spend time with someone who has lost a spouse. Do something with a child who is left without a parent who was serving our country.
In whichever way you choose to enjoy Memorial Day, pause at 3 p.m. Take a minute to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we have the freedom to enjoy a wonderful day.
(Janet Miller is a freelance writer specializing in family faith. She offers Family Prayers and Activities: Weekly Guides on compact disc for families to explore the Bible together. Email jmiller@dospalos.org.)
