May 24, 2009


Today is the celebration of the U.S. Memorial Day. This day has a special meaning to me, because my father was a Vietnam Vet and an Air Force Airman for 21 years. He died three years ago and is buried at Port Hudson National Cemetery in Louisiana along side soldiers dating back to the American Civil War.

I want post about of the Moment of Remembrance. According to www.remember.gov/, “The National Moment of Remembrance, established by Congress [in 2000], asks Americans wherever they are at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day to pause in an act of national unity (duration: one minute).The time 3 p.m. was chosen because it is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday. The Moment does not replace traditional Memorial Day events; rather it is an act of national unity in which all Americans, alone or with family and friends, honor those who died for our freedom. It will help to reclaim Memorial Day as the sacred and noble holiday it was meant to be. In this shared remembrance, we connect as Americans.”

The site goes on to say the day was born after children touring the Capital where asked what Memorial Day was. Their response was “That's the day the swimming pools open.” A follow-up poll discovered that less than 30% of Americans knew the true meaning of Memorial Day. I can say that I've always known, but perhaps that's because I'm an Air Force brat who grew up on Air Force bases.

In a letter to Dear Abby, Carmella La Spada, executive director, White House Commission on Remembrance, says, “On Memorial Day, Major League Baseball games will stop, Amtrak trains will blow their whistles and 6, 200 Buglers Across America will play taps, while citizens everywhere pause to honor those who sacrificed for our freedoms.” (Houston Chronicle, Sunday, May 24, 2009, G5)

So, please remember to toot your horn, ring a bell or just say a prayer of thanks in gratitude of those who died for your freedom.






Anna Kathryn Lanier
Where Tumbleweeds Hang Their Hats
Heartwarming, Sensual Westerns
http://www.aklanier.com/

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