In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields.

John McCrae, 1915

We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies

Addendum by Moina Michael, 1918

Today is the Federally Observed Holiday of Memorial Day in the United States.  Memorial Day actually started to be known as Decoration Day, celebrated for the first time on May 5, 1866 in Waterloo, New York.  It became a tradition to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers of the Civil War on that day with flowers and flags in remembrance of their sacrifice to forge this nation into what it was.  In 1886 General John A. Logan, commander-in-chief of the veteran’s organization known as The Grand Army of the Republic called for Decoration Day to be held on May 30 nationwide.  The name Memorial Day only became a popular substitute until after World War II, but was not made into an official holiday until 1967.  In 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act that, amongst other things, changed the date of Memorial Day to the last Monday in May.  Socially, Memorial Day has become the unofficial start date for the summer vacation season.

Throughout my life I have taken part in a number of Memorial Day parades and wreath laying ceremonies.  Over those years, I have seen attendance at these events wane from the public.  People generally use the holiday as a barbecue and party weekend, forgetting that it was established to remember the ultimate sacrifice men and women have paid for their freedom to party in such a manner.  Over the years I have also seen attendance at these events from veterans slowly lower as well.  This is not from a lack of apathy, but instead because they have slowly been marching to the other side of life itself where their brothers had gone before them.  The time to show our gratitude is running out.

The National Moment of Remembrance

The National Moment of Remembrance, established by Congress, 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.

How to Participate

Wherever you are, observe The Moment at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day. Ask others to remember—relatives, friends, church, neighborhood, or co-workers to observe The Moment at places such as your neighborhood, local pool, picnic grounds, etc., for one minute of Remembrance. Participation can be informal as ringing a bell three times to signify The Moment.

Why

To provide a time of Remembrance for America’s fallen and to make a commitment to give something back to our country in their memory.

To have Americans participate in an act of national unity and demonstrate gratitude and respect for those who died for freedom since the founding of our Nation.

To provide a sense of history to our citizens and ensure that younger generations understand the sacrifices made to preserve our liberties.

Have a safe Memorial Day.