National Moment of Remembrance




An American tradition begins...

Date:

Memorial Day, May 29, 2000

Event:

National Moment of Remembrance to reclaim Memorial Day as the noble event it was intended to be, to honor those who died in service to our nation.

Time:

3:00 p.m. (Local Time) Duration: 1 minute

Place:

Wherever they happen to be, all Americans, whether together or alone, are encouraged to take a moment to participate.

Action:

To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to "Taps."

Purpose:

To demonstrate gratitude to those who died for our freedom.

To remind all Americans of the importance of remembering those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

To provide U.S. citizens in America and throughout the world the opportunity to join in this symbolic act of unity.

To make Memorial Day relevant, especially to younger Americans.

Goal:

Groups and/or individuals, from major corporations to neighborhoods, are encouraged to form a citizens corps or a "Memorial Alliance" to help all 275 million Americans observe the National Moment of Remembrance.

History:

In May 1996, the idea of the Moment was born when children touring Lafayette Park in Washington, DC were asked what Memorial Day meant and they responded, "That's the day the pools open!"

May 1997 saw the start of what is becoming an American tradition recognized by the President and Members of Congress -- to put the "memorial" back in Memorial Day. It was initiated by No Greater Love, a Washington, DC-based national humanitarian organization. For the first time in U.S. history, on Memorial Day 1997 "Taps" was played at 3 p.m. in many locations and at events throughout America. This effort was repeated again in 1998 and 1999. This simple, dignified form of remembrance introduces a solemn annual moment into our citizen's lives.

3:00 p.m. was chosen because it is a time of day when most Americans are likely making the most of the freedoms we enjoy.

Contact:

Carmella LaSpada, Events Coordinator for "National Moment of Remembrance"

Ph: 202-395-7373

http://www.whitehouse.gov/remembrance

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