Nation to Honor Fallen During National Moment of Remembrance

WASHINGTON, May 25, 2006 – On May 29, Americans will pause together to remember servicemembers from wars past and present who have given the ultimate sacrifice while defending the nation.

The National Moment of Remembrance takes place for one minute each year on Memorial Day, starting at 3 p.m., local time.

"The time 3 p.m. was chosen because it is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday," according to a news release from the White House Commission on Remembrance. "The moment does not replace traditional Memorial Day events; rather, it is an act of national unity in which all Americans, alone or with family and friends, honor those who died for our freedom."

Observing the moment can be as simple as ringing a bell three times or pausing for a moment of silence, the news release said. Americans are encouraged to ask others to remember, including family, friends and co-workers.

Established by Congress in December 2000, the White House Commission on Remembrance encourages Americans to remember the sacrifices of its fallen military members, as well as the families they leave behind. According to its mission statement, the commission "promotes acts of remembrance throughout the year and asks Americans to pay our debt of gratitude in memory of our fallen by giving something back to the nation."

The idea for the program came in May 1996 when the commission's director, Carmella LaSpada, asked children touring the nation's capital what Memorial Day meant to them. "That's the day the pool opens," they said.

Providing a sense of history to America's citizens and ensuring younger generations remember the sacrifices made to preserve their freedom is a major goal, the news release said.

In addition to the National Moment of Remembrance, the commission has promoted other programs. In June 2004, the commission sponsored a "historically accurate" sand sculpture on Normandy Beach, France, to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of D-Day, according to its Web site. Sand sculptors worked for six days, making a 30-foot by 30-foot sculpture of allied troops storming the beach.

The commission employs cartoonists to create new, limited-edition cartoons for a calendar each year. It also partners with Dear Abby to send messages of support to the nation's troops.

Here's the Message from the new Chief, Army Reserve (CAR) for Memorial Day:

Memorial Day Message

25 May 2006

Maj. Gen. (P) Jack C. Stultz
Chief, Army Reserve
Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command

Although no sculptured marble should rise to their memory, nor engraved stone bear record of their deeds, yet will their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored. ~Daniel Webster

In this fifth year on the Global War on Terror, it is appropriate that we pause this Memorial Day weekend to remember the more than 2,000 service men and women who have given their life in the Global War on Terror, 118 of those from our Army Reserve family. They have joined those who have gone before them in the defense of this country. They deserve no less than our deepest gratitude for a debt we can never repay.

Memorial Day is a solemn and sacred day that presents us the opportunity to honor the service and sacrifice of Soldiers throughout our nation?s history. Originally called Decoration Day, this day was set aside to place flags on the graves of the Soldiers who died in the Civil War. Today we honor all members of our armed services who have died while serving our country.

All Soldiers, civilians, families, and friends should unite in honor of our fallen comrades by participating in "The National Moment of Remembrance." Take time on this Memorial Day at 3 p.m. wherever you are. Pause to reflect on, and show honor to, our nation's heroes.

On that day, baseball games will stop, train whistles around the nation will blow, trumpets will blare and Americans throughout the country -- wherever they are at 3 p.m. -- will remember the sacrifices of those who died in service to our country.

As you honor our brothers and sisters who have paid that ultimate sacrifice, ensure that honor includes the one Soldier who is still missing in action, Sergeant Keith ?Matt? Maupin. Sergeant Maupin was seized by insurgents in 2004. The visible strength of his family during this difficult time should stand as an example for all Americans.

The remembrance of our veterans? sacrifices should strengthen our resolve and commitment to respond to our nation?s Call to Duty. The danger to our country -- to our way of life -- is very real and our country depends on us to protect our way of life. Renew your commitment to our nation. The sacrifices of fallen heroes will not be in vain. Extend ?The National Moment of Remembrance" to become part of the fiber of your being.

God Bless you, your families, our fellow Soldiers and the United States of America on this Memorial Day.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.