On May 3, 2000, President Bill Clinton released a memorandum from the White House regarding the National Moment of Remembrance.
“In this time of unprecedented success and prosperity throughout our land, I ask that all Americans come together to recognize how fortunate we are to live in freedom and to observe a universal “National Moment of Remembrance” on each Memorial Day. This memorial observance represents a simple and unifying way to commemorate our history and honor the struggle to protect our freedoms.
Accordingly, I hereby direct all executive departments and agencies, in consultation with the White House Program for the National Moment of Remembrance (Program), to promote a “National Moment of Remembrance” to occur at 3 p.m. (local time) on each Memorial Day.”
I hope you’re having a lovely Memorial Day, celebrating with family and friends and furry companions. And when 3:00 rolls around–or really, any time today– maybe you could take just a minute to say thank you.
Thank you to those who are putting themselves in harm’s way right now so that we can be safe. Thank you to the young veteran who’s next door, mowing her lawn or diapering his baby. Thank you to the fathers and mothers, aunts and uncles, grandparents and godparents who never speak about their service but sacrificed so much so that I could have so much. And thank you to all those who’ve gone before, who gave their all so that I could live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Lest we forget, we’re celebrating Memorial Day because of them.
Cathy C. Hall Writes 
Cathy, thank YOU for reminding us of President Clinton’s directions about Memorial Day. I don’t know about anyone else, but I needed this reminder, and I plan to be in remembrance today to be grateful for our veterans.
You are welcome, Linda! Where would we be without them? ♥
Cathy–I was thinking about my dad, who was a Marine, and my son, who’s in the Air Force. For all those men and women who served in the decades before, I’m definitely grateful.
As am I, Sioux! A special blessing to you–a mother doesn’t stop worrying just because her kids are grown, right? Thank you to your loved ones!
Cathy – I’m late to the party here, but love this post. Freedom isn’t free and shouldn’t be taken for granted. Bless all our service members and their families.