Dear Abby: Let’s share a moment to honor the fallen

DEAR ABBY: Americans are at their best when they unite around a noble purpose. On Memorial Day, that purpose is the National Moment of Remembrance. On that day, all Americans are asked to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time to honor our fallen.

In 1971, No Greater Love, a patriotic organization, was founded by a woman named Carmella LaSpada. It initiated the National Moment of Remembrance in 1997, which was later established by Congress in 2000. The Moment is observed by thousands of Americans at Major League Baseball games across the country.

For more than 40 years, the AFL-CIO, North American trade unions, ironworkers, sheet metal, air, rail and transportation workers along with No Greater Love have honored our fallen, our troops, our veterans and their families.

Our union members are proud to support the National Moment of Remembrance. As one nation under God, we should join together to honor those who died for our freedom — each one an American treasure. —ERIC DEAN, GENERAL PRESIDENT, INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BRIDGE, STRUCTURAL, ORNAMENTAL AND REINFORCING IRON WORKERS

DEAR MR. DEAN: I am aware of the loyal and generous support the unions have given to No Greater Love and the families who have lost beloved family members in wars and military conflicts. For that I thank you.

Readers, it is my sincere hope that you will take a moment from your busy day to join us at 3 p.m. in honoring our fallen military men and women on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30. — LOVE, ABBY

DEAR ABBY: My mother died in her sleep last year at our home. She was 97. We cleaned the carpets and repainted the room, removed the hospital bed and replaced it with a brand-new one.

We recently asked some friends to stay overnight at our house, and they called back to ask if they would be staying in the room Mama had died in. We have a second guest room, although it’s smaller and so is the bed (full, not a queen). They seemed hesitant.

After the call I found myself feeling offended. I keep thinking that if the shoe was on the other foot, would they shut down a room of their home if someone had died there? We have had other houseguests who didn’t mind staying in the room.

These people are supposed to arrive soon. Should we arrange for them to stay at a hotel? — FEELING OFFENDED

DEAR FEELING: Please don’t take their reaction as a personal insult. Many people are squeamish about staying in a room in which someone has died.

I see no reason to banish these people to a hotel during their visit. Call them back, offer them the smaller guest room and enjoy their visit.

DEAR ABBY: I’m a 77-year-old man. I am not currently involved with a woman, but I have had two marriages and numerous serious affairs.

I’d like to know how it became the man’s responsibility to put the toilet seat down. Women seem to believe it is written in law, a rule by Emily Post or one of the Ten Commandments. — FLUSHED IN FLORIDA

DEAR FLUSHED: It’s all of the above. And I think I know why you have had two marriages, numerous serious affairs and are not currently involved.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at http://www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “What Every Teen Should Know.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)