After the first Time of Remembrance tribute in 2006, a mother came up to me and said, “Thank you for this touching ceremony. It was absolutely wonderful to see so many families of our fallen. God bless everyone who had something to do with bringing us together.”
Over 3,000 family members attended this landmark event from every state and as far away as Guam and Saipan. It featured the inaugural presentation of Gold Medals of Remembrance to children of service members who gave their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. The medals were presented by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
This ceremony on the National Mall pays tribute to the Nation’s fallen and the families they left behind. This effort also includes a descendent of an American fallen hero from every war, dating back to 1776.
The Commission on Remembrance, which initiated this program, was established in 2000 by Congress. Its purpose is to encourage Americans to honor those who died for our freedoms by giving something back to our country in their memory. The Commission is also tasked to unite the nation in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 PM, local time, on Memorial Day.
Nothing can be said that will erase the pain or ease the burden of your grief. We celebrate, however, the magnificent legacy of love of country, family, friends, and freedom your loved ones left to us. We hope this remembrance ceremony will continue to help you connect with other families who, as you, gave their hearts to America.