In 1999, the late Sen. Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, a veteran of World War II, introduced a bill that proposed restoring the traditional day of observance to May 30, but to date there has been no further action on the bill. The following year, President Clinton issued a National Moment of Remembrance resolution, encouraging Americans to voluntarily and informally observe a moment of remembrance in their own way on May 30, at 3 p.m. local time.

The last-Monday holiday remains, however, and it is clear that Americans love this three-day weekend. But perhaps Inouye and Clinton gave us too little credit, because year after year, we also make it clear that we love our veterans. Untold millions of us line the streets of our towns, small and large, waving, applauding and saluting as those who have fought for our country march or ride by.

There is usually a solemn ceremony of tribute at the end of these parades. This weekend, instead of racing home to get the party started, resolve to linger at that ceremony and learn more about those in your community who lost their lives in the name of democracy. Then, as you enjoy the freedom of your long weekend, pause from time to time to silently thank those who made it possible.