On this important day, I wanted to take time out to remember our fallen soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. The National Moment of Remembrance, established by Congress, asks Americans, wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time, on Memorial Day, to pause in an act of national unity for a duration of one minute. This time was chosen because it is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday. This moment is an act of unity in which all Americans honor those who died in service to the United States.
Below is one of my favorite poems regarding Memorial Day. The poem is called "In Flanders Fields" written by Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. The poem was an exact description of the scene as he viewed his fallen comrades grave. The poppy flower became a worldwide symbol of sacrifice worn to honor the men and women who served and died for the country in all wars.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place: and in the sky
The larks still bravely singing fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead: Short days ago,
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved: and now we lie
In Flanders fields!
Take up our quarrel with the foe
To you, from failing hands, we throw
The torch: be yours to hold it high
If ye break faith with us who die,
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields