Take A Moment On Memorial Day
May 27, 2007
Dear Abby:
When I asked a group of schoolchildren what Memorial Day meant to them, they replied, "That's the day the pools open!" There can be no argument that we, as a nation, need to refresh our memories and put "memorial" back into Memorial Day.
We must never forget who we are memorializing and inform each generation that since the birth of our nation, more than 1 million men and women have died to ensure our freedom.
I ask all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance, established by Congress to recognize, honor and memorialize all those who have given their lives in service to our country. They were someone's father, mother, son, daughter, sister, brother, other relative or friend. Their families are also casualties of war, for their loss is the most enduring sacrifice.
Abby, please urge our fellow Americans to honor America's fallen. As long as they are remembered, they are never gone.
- Carmella LaSpada,
Director, White House Commission On Remembrance
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Dear Carmella:
Thank you for your timely letter. I'm pleased to pass along your message. Readers, wherever you might be tomorrow on Memorial Day - even if it's the swimming pool - please pause at 3 p.m. (local time) and think about those who died to preserve our liberties. Do something for your country in their blessed memory, even if it is only taking a moment to appreciate their courage and sacrifice for us.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Dear Abby appears on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. E-mail Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com.
