Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) has launched its fourth annual #GoSilent campaign, asking Americans to observe a moment of silence for fallen military servicemembers on Memorial Day at 12:01 p.m. ET.
The organization is encouraging people to dedicate their moments of silence to the memory of a deceased service member and share their pledge on social media using #GoSilent.
IAVA has planned a series of events around the country leading up to the moment of silence on Monday. IAVA staff and members will also be participating in wreath-laying ceremonies on Monday at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, and at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York City.
Mark Szymanski, chief communications officer of IAVA, said that the #GoSilent campaign is intended to encourage public appreciation of the sacrifices made by servicemembers.
“As summer begins, everyone is focused on barbeques, beaches and going to the mall,” Szymanski said. “This is a time when we can reflect on the servicemembers we have lost.”
Szymanski said that 5,000 people pledged a moment of silence as part of last year’s #GoSilent campaign. IAVA hopes to increase participation this year.
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