May 16 - White House officials are encouraging all Americans to remember the importance of Memorial Day, May 28, to honor service members who gave their lives in defense of freedom. The importance of this day is being noted with a one-minute National Moment of Remembrance, scheduled for 3 p.m. EST on that day. The time 3 p.m. was chosen because many Americans are enjoying their freedom on the national holiday. White House officials emphasized that the moment does not replace traditional Memorial Day observances but is intended to be a unifying act of remembrance for Americans of all ages.
Participation is voluntary and informal.
People may observe it with a moment of silence, by listening to Taps or, if driving, by turning on their headlights. The White House also encourages more formal observances, such as during neighborhood community events. Each year the military services provide musical, ceremonial and program support for national, regional and local Memorial Day events. If planned military programs do not permit an observance at 3 p.m., the National Moment of Remembrance can be scheduled at a different time and still meet the intent of the White House initiative, officials said. The idea of the moment was born in May 1996 when children touring Washington, D.C., were asked what Memorial Day meant.