On May 27 (Memorial Day) at 3 p.m. Americans across the country will join President Bush in taking a moment to remember and honor those men and women who died in service to our country.
Washington state citizens are asked to participate in this act of national unity, designed to encourage people to reflect for one minute on those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“The National Moment of Remembrance is an act of American unity to honor our heroes, make the day relevant to our younger generations, and demonstrate gratitude and respect. It is a moment that everyone can spare,” said John King, director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs.
The White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance was established by an act of Congress, to put the “memorial” back in Memorial
Day and to reclaim its original purpose of honoring America’s fallen heroes.
The time was chosen because mid-afternoon is when many Americans are enjoying the freedoms ensured by those who fought to preserve them. The one-minute pause in activities at 3 p.m. local time is not intended to replace Memorial Day ceremonies, but to highlight the purpose of Memorial Day and to reflect on the sacrifice of those who died for our freedom.
President Abraham Lincoln summed up the importance of remembering all fallen heroes when he said, “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.”
For more information on Memorial Day activities in Washington state go to the Web site at: www.dva.wa.gov.