Originally called Decoration Day and designated as a day to decorate the graves of our fallen with flowers or other memorial items, Memorial Day is more than just a day off work. It’s about recognizing and honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedom and way of life.

In addition to remembrance, Memorial Day is about celebrating the lives of those brave men and women who put it all on the line in the name of freedom. They gave their life in all corners of the globe, in a selfless and unwavering fashion, to ensure we slept peacefully in our beds.

Please join us at 3 p.m. (local time) this Memorial Day, in a National Moment of Remembrance to pause for one minute of national unity. Congress selected this time as the collective moment Americans could stop to honor those that came before them and paid the ultimate price for our way of life.

The Fallen

Those we have loved the dearest,
The bravest and the best,
Are summoned from the battle
To their eternal rest;
There they endure the silence,
Here we endure the pain—
He that bestows the Valor
Valor resumes again.
O, Master of all Being,
Donor of Day and Night,
Of Passion and of Beauty,
Of Sorrow and Delight,
Thou gav’st them the full treasure
Of that heroic blend—
The Pride, the Faith, the Courage,
That holdeth to the end.
Thou gavest us the Knowledge
Wherein their memories stir—
Master of Life, we thank Thee
That they were what they were.

-Duncan Campbell Scott