Put the “memorial back in Memorial Day”
Memorialize America’s fallen heroes and their families . . .
At 3 p.m. local time this Memorial Day pause wherever you are for a minute of silence to remember and honor America’s fallen heroes and their families who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States so we can continue to live in freedom, and with so much opportunity. Simply, pause in silence, or place your hand over your heart, or even bow your head to offer a prayer to live a meaningful life in honor of those who gave their lives for our freedom.
In 1996, Carmella LaSpada, founder and director of No Greater Love, asked a group of school children on tour of the Nation’s Capital what Memorial Day meant to them. They responded with “That’s the day the pool opens.” That response moved LaSpada to set the wheels in motion for the first Proud to Remember campaign, which had events that started the Tuesday before, and wrapped up the day of, Memorial Day, May 26, 1997.
Three years later, Senator Chuck Hagel at LaSpada’s request asked Congress to officially establish the National Moment of Remembrance to ensure that the sacrifices of those who died in service to our nation and their families are remembered. In December 2000, the National Moment of Remembrance Act was passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by the president. It encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.
Carmella LaSpada’s sentiment still rings true when she said, “It’s a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day.