The White House is calling on all Americans to join in a
National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. May 31 – Memorial Day – to honor those
who died in service to the nation. The moment is intended to be a unifying act
of remembrance for Americans of all ages. White House photo
(Click photo
for screen-resolution image); high-
resolution image available. |
This doesn't mean coming to a screeching halt if you're driving a car, said
Carmella LaSpada, director of the White House Commission on Remembrance. "Just
turn on your headlights for a moment," she added. "The legacy of those who died
to make this country better is something that can strengthen and unite us."
The request is part of the National Moment of Remembrance activities slated to
coincide with the Memorial Day observance. The 3 p.m. local time start was
chosen because it's the time when many Americans are enjoying their freedoms on
the national holiday, LaSpada explained.
She emphasized that the moment doesn't replace traditional Memorial Day
observances. The idea was born in May 1996, LaSpada said, when children touring
the nation's capital were asked what Memorial Day meant, and they responded,
"That's the day the pools open!"
Memorial Day was established as a national holiday in 1868 to pay tribute to
those who died serving the nation.
On Dec. 28, 2000, the White House Commission on Remembrance was established to
promote the spirit of unity and remembrance through the minute-long observance.
Congress wanted to ensure that the nation remembers the sacrifices of America's
fallen for the Revolutionary War to the present. Lawmakers also wanted to
recognize the devotion to duty of veterans and all those who continue to serve
the nation and remind all Americans of their common heritage.
"Congress wanted to bring the country together in an act of national unity, and
to put 'memorial' back into Memorial Day," LaSpada said. "A recent Gallup Poll
indicated that 28 percent of Americans don't know the meaning of Memorial Day.
More than 60 percent don't observe Memorial Day in any way. So this isn't
taking the place of any traditional ceremonies. This is something to do to
bring the country together, particularly those who don't observe it in any
way."
LaSpada hopes people won't just stop and reflect for 60 seconds on Memorial Day
and forget about it the rest of the year. "The whole idea is to think and
reflect on what it means to be an American and to honor those people died for
our freedoms throughout the year, including special events like the 4th of July
and Veterans Day," she said.
"The majority of those who died during wartime gave up their futures when they
were so young," LaSpada noted. "This is what we need to remember and to come
together in this act of unity of what it means to be an American."
She emphasized that Memorial Day and the Moment of Remembrance hold special
significance during wartime and the global fight against terrorism. "When
you're engaged in any war, people are more aware," LaSpada said. "But our whole
idea is that people know the history of this country. And that they should be
aware of the sacrifices made from the Revolutionary War on. Kids don't even
know much about Vietnam."
LaSpada said she strongly believes that a Moment of Remembrance is a matter of
education. "You've got to give the people of this country a sense of history,"
she continued. "If we don't have a sense of history, we don't have a sense of
citizenship. People shouldn't think that the only time the nation remembers
those who died for our freedoms is during wartime."
"Patriots Patrol," an effort being developed by the commission, is geared
toward educating elementary school students in "putting patriotism into
action," LaSpada said. "Under Patriots Patrol, we have a special program we
encourage schools to use," she noted. "The children are told what Memorial Day
is and how it started. Then we have a story about someone who died fighting for
the freedoms Americans enjoy."
The commission created "Roll Call Remembrance," in which a bell is rung and a
child says, "We remember those from the Revolutionary War who died for us."
They continue through all of America's wars.
"We also tell them that this includes those who died in conflicts, incidents
and peacekeeping missions, such as in Beirut and those who died in incidents
like the attack on the USS Stark, the incident in Somalia and others who've
died in the war on terrorism," LaSpada noted.
Starting this year, the commission -- with the support of the National
Association for Music Education, Bugles Across America and The Getzen
Instrument Company -- is inviting trumpet players across the country to play
"Taps" at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day in the moment's "Echoes of Remembrance"
throughout America, LaSpada said.
She noted that thousands of participants are slated to participate in "The
Moment," including Major League Baseball, NASCAR, the National Hockey League,
Pennsylvania Turnpike Authority, hospitals, retirement communities, shopping
malls, grocery stores, airports, bus lines and military installations.
One year, Yankee Stadium was packed with spectators when the announcer said,
"Ladies and gentlemen, may we have your attention!" The players came out of the
dugout; those on the field stood at attention and the umpire took his mask off.
Commission representative then played the Moment of Remembrance video, LaSpada
said.
"Everyone stood up and you just felt connected," LaSpada said. "We saw kids
tugging on their father asking, 'What was that all about, Daddy?'"
She said the fathers probably said something like, "That was about the people
who died for our freedoms, and that's why we can go to these baseball games."
The commission urges Americans to perform its Memorial Day anthem, "On This
Day," which was composed by award-winning composer Charles Strouse, perhaps
best known as composer of the musicals "Annie" and "Bye Bye Birdie." LaSpada
said it's an inspiring song that celebrates the lives of America's fallen.
She said the song helps promote and inspire the tone of the annual observance
to connect all Americans and to sustain the American spirit. By remembering
those who died for our country, LaSpada continued, we become more aware of our
identity as Americans.
"We're becoming a fragmented society, and we really need to bring the country
together." LaSpada noted. "There's a lot to be done. I think if we can reach
into the hearts and minds of Americans and say lets remember who we are, lets
stick together and let's get back to this country and make it better."
 | This is the logo for the White House Commission on Remembrance
|
 | High resolution photo
|
Printer-friendly Version
Email A Copy
Printer Friendly