Poughkeepsie… On Memorial Day, May 28, Dutchess County Executive William R. Steinhaus and Veterans Service Agency Director Nelson Eddy Rivera, USN (Ret) ask all Dutchess County residents to pause for the Memorial Day National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. in honor of those who have died to defend our freedom.

County Executive Steinhaus said, “It is important to take this time to remember all of those who have sacrificed for our country.  To pause for just a moment is so little to ask when they have given so much.”

The National Moment of Remembrance is an act of national unity to honor America’s fallen. All citizens, alone or with family and friends, wherever they are at 3 p.m., are asked to pause for a Moment of reflection honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The goal is to put “Memorial” back into Memorial Day.  A Gallup poll indicated that only 28 percent of Americans realize the meaning of this noble holiday. 

The Moment of Remembrance does not replace traditional Memorial Day ceremonies or events. It is an act of remembrance to celebrate the lives of those who died and an opportunity for citizens to rededicate themselves to giving back to America in their memory.

“For so many people, Memorial Day has become a day to have a backyard picnic or go shopping at the mall.   The true purpose of Memorial Day is to honor those who have died for our country and I hope that people will take the time to remember their sacrifices,” said Dutchess County Veterans Service Agency Director Nelson Eddy Rivera, USN (Ret).