“National Moment of Remembrance”
In December 2000, Congress passed the National Moment of Remembrance Act, establishing the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance and designating 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day as a moment of silence.
The act calls for all Americans to pause wherever they are for one minute to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation. The “Moment” is not widely known and a survey found most Americans were unaware of its existence.
Memorial Day is not Veterans Day. Veterans Day on November 11, honors all who have served. Memorial Day is the last Monday of May and honors those who lost their lives in military service.
The 3 p.m. observance time was chosen because it is when most Americans are enjoying the holiday. On this day and at this time, MLB games halt, Amtrak train whistles sound across the country, and hundreds of organizations nationwide pause to “Remember”.
We have the privilege to live in the greatest nation in the world. What has made and keeps it great are our heroes who stand and fight for our freedom.
Will you take at least ONE MINUTE on Memorial Day (3 p.m. would be nice, but don’t worry if you miss the exact time) to pause and remember those who have fallen in service and their families.
Pray for our country, President and National leaders as well as State and local officials. Pray that God will become first and foremost in the lives of American people.
May God Bless America! “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 33:12).
Pastor Carnes
