'No Greater Love', a humanitarian organization based in Washington, D.C., and in 1996 conducted a survey on children asking them why they think there is a holiday on Memorial Day. It was heartbreaking to hear their
remarks that were all associated with barbecues and extended weekend parties and
celebration, while they hadn't the vaguest idea about the sacrifices of the
soldiers in whose honor it is celebrated. One of the children was even quoted as
saying that this was the day when swimming pools open!
The
organization came up with the idea of 'National Moment of Remembrance' to remind
and especially, let the future generations know about the real meaning of the
holiday. The idea clicked with the President and Congress and since 1997, it
became a standard American tradition. National Moment of Remembrance requires
everybody to keep silent for a minute, exactly at 3.00 pm (local time) when
'Taps' is played and reflect on the glory of those who have shed blood for us.
