National Moment of Remembrance

AMERICANS ASKED TO UNITE IN REMEMBRANCE ON MEMORIAL DAY AT 3P.M. FOR THE NATIONAL MOMENT OF REMEMBRANCE ESTABLISHED BY CONGRESS

Citizens to pause at 3 p.m. for a Moment to reflect on the sacrifices of our fallen

WASHINGTON, DC — On Memorial Day, May 30, at 3 p.m., local time, Major League Baseball games will stop, Amtrak train whistles will blast across the nation and hundreds of other nationwide participants will ask Americans to pause for the National Moment of Remembrance. Mandated by Congress and sponsored by The White House Commission on Remembrance, the Moment unites America in honor of those who died in service to our country.

Patriot Partners include: Department of Defense, VA Hospitals, NASCAR, Wal-Mart, National Grocers Association, the National Constitution Center, the Liberty Bell, the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore and the International Space Station.

The National Association for Music Education, Bugles Across America and The Getzen Instrument Company have arranged for volunteer buglers to play Taps for the Moment in places such as hospitals, retirement communities, national parks, thoroughbred racing, bus terminals, nursing homes and beaches. Echoes of remembrance will sound across America.

All citizens, wherever they are at 3 p.m., local time, alone or with family and friends are asked to pause for a Moment of reflection. The Moment is a time of remembrance for America’s fallen and to make a commitment to give something back to our country in their memory.

The idea of the National Moment of Remembrance was born when Carmella LaSpada, Director of the Commission met a group of schoolchildren touring Washington, D.C. and asked them what Memorial Day means. When they responded, "It's the day the pool opens," she became determined to reinforce the meaning of Memorial Day and ensure that those who died for our country are not forgotten. “We ask Americans to contemplate those things that bind us – our freedom and those who died to preserve it.” said LaSpada.

The goal is to put “Memorial” back in Memorial Day. A Gallup Poll revealed that only 28 percent of Americans know the meaning of this noble holiday. The Moment does not replace traditional Memorial Day events; rather, it is an act of national unity in which all Americans can participate.

The President, in his Memorial Day Proclamation, calls on the people of the United States to observe the National Moment of Remembrance.

The White House Commission on Remembrance was established by Congress to promote the values of Memorial Day by acts of remembrance throughout the year. The major initiative of the Commission is the National Moment of Remembrance. For additional storyline ideas or possible interviews, please contact us.

“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.”

Abraham Lincoln ###

The White House Commission on Remembrance 1750 New York Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20006 Office : (202) 783-4665 Fax : (202) 783-1168 commission@remember.gov CONTACT: Benjamin Barbin (202) 783-4665 remember.gov

Video:

• National Moment of Remembrance Video - On This Day (30 Sec.) (QuickTime-2.5 MB)
• National Moment of Remembrance Video - On This Day (1 Min.) (QuickTime-3.7 MB)
• National Moment of Remembrance Video - On This Day (2 Min.) (Quicktime-6.1 MB)