Take a moment at 3 p.m. Monday to honor America’s war dead

MOMENT TO REMEMBER

How to participate

The National Moment of Remembrance, established by Congress in 2000, asks Americans wherever they are at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day to pause, for about a minute, in an act of national unity.

Background: The time of 3 p.m. was chosen because it is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday. 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.

How to participate: Wherever you are, observe the moment at 3 p.m. Ask others to remember to observe the moment at places such as your neighborhood, local pool, picnic grounds, etc., for one minute of remembrance. Participation can be informal as ringing a bell three times to signify the moment.

Reasons do it: To provide a time of remembrance for America’s fallen and to make a commitment to give something back to our country in their memory. To have Americans participate in an act of national unity and demonstrate gratitude and respect for those who died for freedom since the founding of our nation. To provide a sense of history to our citizens and ensure that younger generations understand the sacrifices made to preserve our liberties.

Source: White House Commission on Remembrance website www.remember.gov