    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [May 2, 2000]
    [Pages 818-819]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Memorandum on the White House Program for the National Moment of
    Remembrance
    May 2, 2000

    Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies

    Subject:  White House Program for the National Moment of Remembrance

        As Memorial Day approaches, it is time to pause and consider the
    true meaning of this holiday. Memorial Day represents one day of
    national awareness and reverence, honoring those Americans who died
    while defending our Nation and its values. While we should honor these
    heroes every day for the profound contribution they have made to
    securing our Nation's freedom, we should honor them especially on
    Memorial Day.

    [[Page 819]]

        In this time of unprecedented success and prosperity throughout our
    land, I ask that all Americans come together to recognize how fortunate
    we are to live in freedom and to observe a universal ``National Moment
    of Remembrance'' on each Memorial Day. This memorial observance
    represents a simple and unifying way to commemorate our history and
    honor the struggle to protect our freedoms.
        Accordingly, I hereby direct all executive departments and agencies,
    in consultation with the White House Program for the National Moment of
    Remembrance (Program), to promote a ``National Moment of Remembrance''
    to occur at 3 p.m. (local time) on each Memorial Day.
        Recognizing that Memorial Day is a Federal holiday, all executive
    departments and agencies, in coordination with the Program and to the
    extent possible and permitted by law, shall promote and provide
    resources to support a National Moment of Remembrance, including:
         Encouraging individual department and agency personnel, and
                Americans everywhere, to pause for one minute at 3:00 p.m.
                (local time) on Memorial Day, to remember and reflect on the
                sacrifices made by so many to provide freedom for all.
         Recognizing, in conjunction with Memorial Day, department
                and agency personnel whose family members have made the
                ultimate sacrifice for this Nation.
         Providing such information and assistance as may be
                necessary for the Program to carry out its functions.
        I have asked the Director of the White House Millennium Council to
    issue additional guidance, pursuant to this Memorandum, to the heads of
    executive departments and agencies regarding specific activities and
    events to commemorate the National Moment of Remembrance.

                                                          William J. Clinton

     Note:  This memorandum was released by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on May 3.