Memorial Day –National Moment of Remembrance
For many, this three-day weekend it exactly that. A three-day weekend of fun and games with little regard for the reason for the holiday.
But for those who lost a loved one in war, it’s more than just a three-day weekend of fun and games. It’s a time of remembrance of that special someone who gave their lives for freedom.
According to www.usmemorial.org …
Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his
General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "
National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans "To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to '
Taps."
My brother, Lewis John Fogler. gave his life for his country May 1st, 1967 in Vietnam. Forty-two years ago and I still cherish his memory. Although I was twelve years old at the time, his life left an indelible memory in my heart. And to this day, I carry around a 4 in x 4 in piece of steel that he sent me in 1967. According to Louie (as we called him), it was what he used to repair the bullet homes in the helicopters.
If you lost a loved one in the war, or simply have a tender place in your heart for the families that have, take the challenge of the National Moment of Remembrance on Memorial Day. Set your alarm for 3 p.m. and, out of respect, stop for a moment of silence or listen to Taps.
Happy Memorial Day
