While people in other countries and in the United States burn or stomp on the American flag, the rest of the citizens of America will be observing a moment of silence at 3:00 p.m. local time on the last Monday in May which lands on May 25th this year. This break in the day is to remember that brave men and women fought and died to preserve the freedoms we enjoy.
“They fell, but o’er their glorious grave.
Floats free the banner of the cause they died to save.”
~ Francis Marion Crawford ~
In December 2000, Congress created the National Moment of Remembrance to encourage a one minute act of national unity. The reason that 3:00 p.m. was chosen as the time for the pause is because most Americans will be enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday.
The flag is a reminder of the sacrifice others have made on our behalf and it should be treated with respect. There are rules on how to fold the flag, how to raise the flag, and how to honor the flag because it is our symbol of freedom.
“They are dead; but they live in each Patriot’s breast,
And their names are engraven on honor’s bright crest.”
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow ~
For a duration of one minute, in an act of national unity to honor and respect our ancestors, family members, loved ones, neighbors and friends who are fallen Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines:
- Americans will be silent together.
- Cars will drive with their headlights turned on.
- Trains will blow their whistles.
- Taps will play.
- Nearly 500,000 Major League Baseball fans will sit quietly.
- Flags will gloriously wave.
The family isn’t getting together this year, so I will spend the day alone with Bella, Turtle and some yummy food while I give thanks for all the things I can enjoy because I live in a country that gives me freedom. God gave me the freedom to choose, but my country gives me the opportunity and right to express those freedoms.
I am filled with gratitude that I am able to live in this country. There are a lot of very large flags pretty close to where I live. I think it is so beautiful to watch the wind blowing on the sunlit flags. I hope that “the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave” forever.
“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill,
that we shall pay any price, bear any burden,
meet any hardship, support any friend,
oppose any foe to assure
the survival and the success of liberty.”
~ John F. Kennedy ~
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