| Yom HaZikaron (Israel Memorial Day) wes originally established to remember those who fell in the many wars that Israel has had to endure
at the hands of the Arabs. Now it not only includes those in the IDF
(Israel's Defense Forces) but the people who have fallen victum to Arab terrorists.
Remembering those who have sacrificed to help create and maintain the state of Israel is a tradition. We remember the act of creation, the Exodus from Egypt, giving of the laws at Mount Sinai and other events in our
history as a people. The Jewish people are a people of a collective
history and memory.
In Israel it includes many national ceremonies for fallen soldiers in which senior public officials and military officers are present. The day opens the preceding evening with a one-minute siren during which most Israelis stand in silence, commemorating the fallen and showing respect. Many say prayers for the fallen soldiers. The official ceremony to mark the opening of the day takes place at the Western Wall, at which time the flag of Israel is lowered to half mast.
A two-minute siren is heard the following morning which marks the opening of the official memorial ceremonies and private remembrance gathering which are held at each cemetery where soldiers are buried. The day officially draws to a close in the official ceremony of Israel Independence Day on Mount Herzl, when the flag of Israel is returned to full mast.
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