Put down that hotdog. Don't flip that burger. Maybe hold off for a moment on refilling that keg cup, because at 3 p.m. local time all Americans are required to pause to remember and honor the fallen. It's true. In December 2000, Congress passed a law designating the moment of silence for those not yet in a Memorial Day food coma.
This is just one of 7 facts dug up by the good people at TIME for the holiday. Another interesting tidbit: Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and, up until 1971, was observed every May 30. Click over to TIME for the rest. And don't forget to pause at 3 o'clock. It's the least you can do for our heroes.
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