In our sound-bite and notification-dependent society, silence isn’t all that common in our daily lives. Although this current reality has its pitfalls, it might make silence—when we can achieve it—all that more momentous.
Considering that most local Memorial Day services have been canceled this year, citizens will be tasked with finding their own ways to honor the fallen this Monday. Pausing for a moment, or minute, of silence is the least we can do.
In 2000 Congress passed The National Monument of Remembrance Act that declares Americans should pause for a moment of silence at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day to honor those fellow Americans who’ve died in service to their country. The gesture is also considered to be an act of symbolic unity, the American Legion Auxiliary notes on their website, and there’s no doubt we could use a symbol of unity these days.
Considering that the pandemic is still limiting our travels and ability to gather, we’ll have more quiet moments this Memorial Day than usual and that’s not all bad. It’s evident that not everyone observes the holiday as they really should, treating it as a celebration of summer rather than a day of national mourning. Perhaps this change in our routines will raise awareness for the true meaning of Memorial Day and encourage more Americans to actively remember those who sacrificed their all for their country.
The Memorial Day Foundation offers the following suggestions for additional ways to observe Memorial Day:
•Fly the flag at half-staff until noon as Memorial Day is considered a day of national mourning.
•Take the time to learn about the military heroes of our past and present and when their valor has been recognized and awarded.
•Create cards or care packages to be sent overseas to soldiers to thank them for their service.
Whether you pause, pray or package up goodies, please find the time to honor the fallen this Memorial Day.
