Remembrance

Memorial Day
Now for a little history on Memorial Day: In 1965, a committee of community leaders started plans for the Centennial Celebration of Memorial Day. The committee consisted of VFW Commander James McCann, chairman, American Legion Commander Oliver J. McFall and Mayor Marion DeCicca, co-chairman, along with Village Trustees, M. Lewis Somerville, Roscoe Bartran, Richard Schreck, Tony DiPronio, and VFW Vice-Commander, Kenneth Matoon. Their goals were: "to obtain national recognition of the fact that Waterloo is the birthplace of Memorial Day through Congressional action" and "to plan and execute a proper celebration for such centennial observance."

In May of 1966, just in time for the Centennial, Waterloo was recognized as the "Birthplace of Memorial Day" by the United States Government. This recognition was long in coming and involved hours of painstaking research to prove the claim. While other communities may claim earlier observances of honoring the Civil War dead, none can claim to have been so well planned and complete, nor can they claim the continuity of observances that Waterloo can. The Centennial Celebration that year brought dignitaries from government, military, veteran's organizations and descendants of the original founders of Memorial Day.

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 (duration: one minute).The time 3 p.m. was chosen because it is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday. The Moment does not replace traditional Memorial Day events; rather it is an act of national unity in which all Americans, alone or with family and friends, honor those who died for our freedom. It will help to reclaim Memorial Day as the sacred and noble holiday it was meant to be. In this shared remembrance, we connect as Americans.

How to Participate?
Wherever you are, observe the Moment at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day. Ask others to remember—relatives, friends, church, neighborhood, or co-workers to observe the Moment at places such as your neighborhood, local pool, picnic grounds, etc., for one minute of Remembrance. Participation can be informal as ringing a bell three times to signify the Moment.

Why?
To provide a time of Remembrance for America’s fallen and to make a commitment to give something back to our country in their memory. To have Americans participate in an act of national unity and demonstrate gratitude and respect for those who died for freedom since the founding of our Nation. To provide a sense of history to our citizens and ensure that younger generations understand the sacrifices made to preserve our liberties.

Background
The idea for the Moment was born when children touring the Nation’s Capital were asked by the Commission’s Director what Memorial Day means. They responded, That’s the day the pool opens. A Gallup Poll revealed that only 28% of Americans know the meaning of this noble holiday. The White House Commission on Remembrance was established by Congress (PL 106-579) to promote the values of Memorial Day by acts of remembrance throughout the year. The major initiative of the Commission is the National Moment of Remembrance.

Remember this weekend when attending family gatherings, Bar-B-Q's and out door activities, let's pause at 3:00 PM on Monday and give thanks to all of our veterans for their service to our country and for protecting our freedoms and the American way of life. Their continuing patriotism and bravery in adversity is what keeps America free. Let's also remember and pay special honor to the veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice and was killed in all US wars. Let's thank God for his blessings on America and for using us for his divined planned purposes and for spreading the Gospel truth. Why do people hate our way of life? Why do Muslim extremist want to kill us? Why do you think migrants want to come here from every corner of the earth?



Additional Resources:
US Memorial Day History and Information on US War Memorials
Offers the history of this celebrated day and information on US War Memorials.
http://www.usmemorialday.org/

THE HISTORY CHANNEL - Memorial Day
Explores the Civil War-era origins of the holiday as well as little-known facts about America's wars. http://www.historychannel.com/exhibits/memorial/

Memorial Day
The first official recognition of Memorial Day as such was issued by General ... Now the Memorial Day Museum, it houses artifacts of the first Memorial Day.
http://www.rootsweb.com/~nyseneca/memorial.htm

Official Website
For more information you can visit the official Memorial Day website
www.remember.gov

Bobby Sowell - Military Service Page - Vietnam Vet
Take a pictorial journey of Bobby during the Vietnam war and personal accounts of events he experienced in 1969-70. http://bobbysowell.tripod.com/VietnamVet_1.html

Bobby Sowell 911 Tribute Page
Special 911 tribute. Listen to Bobby's piano rendition of 'America' composed especially for that tragic event. http://bobbysowell.tripod.com/911tribute.html

*Above photo submitted by Jim Kail and used by permission.