My hope is that you, the reader, will take time today to remember those veterans who fought so courageously for our country- the best in the world – and lost their lives for our very freedom.
Today is a very poignant day for me since my father, who was a veteran, died this past February. May he rest in peace.
And to all soldiers, from all of the armed services, who have lost their lives – I pay homage to you today. Rest in peace and God bless your loved ones and friends.
I know for so many, today is a day of picnics, family get-togethers, the unofficial beginning of summer and fun! Enjoy the fireworks. Have fun! BUT remember to bring your pet indoors for these festivties since it is going to be a hot day and fireworks scare many animals into running away.
Please don’t forget our fallen soldiers. Here is an excerpt from a memo from former President Clinton about the observance of Memorial Day:
Subject: White House Program for the National Moment of Remembrance As Memorial Day approaches, it is time to pause and consider the true meaning of this holiday. Memorial Day represents one day of national awareness and reverence, honoring those Americans who died while defending our Nation and its values. While we should honor these heroes every day for the profound contribution they have made to securing our Nation’s freedom, we should honor them especially on Memorial Day. 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. Recognizing that Memorial Day is a Federal holiday, all executive departments and agencies, in coordination with the Program and to the extent possible and permitted by law, shall promote and provide resources to support a National Moment of Remembrance, including: Encouraging individual department and agency personnel, and Americans everywhere, to pause for one minute at 3:00 p.m. (local time) on Memorial Day, to remember and reflect on the sacrifices made by so many to provide freedom for all. Recognizing, in conjunction with Memorial Day, department and agency personnel whose family members have made the ultimate sacrifice for this Nation.