Friday Focus: A small moment of time for the last full measure
Small American flags and headstones at Arlington National Cemetery during a Memorial Day display.
May 22, 2026
— By Stephen Phillips, Department of Military and Veteran Services director
Looking south out of the upper floors of the Rasmuson building this time of year makes it hard to put into context the gravity of the holiday that we commemorate this weekend. The bluebird skies, fresh greenery, the gently receding snowline on the Japan Hills and warm air tempered by spring breezes are a far cry from the conditions that led to the establishment of Memorial Day – the annual day where we pause as a nation to remember those members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have fallen in defense of our free republic.
Balancing the decorum of this somber holiday with the endless possibilities that an early summer long weekend offers is always a tough dilemma to reconcile. On one hand, there are patriotic stirrings in almost all Americans that create an air of solemnity around the occasion. But that same air is also filled with the sounds of children playing outside, the aroma of backyard barbecues, outdoor speakers adding music to the warm(er) weather vibe and the noises of birds (and mosquitoes) that Interior Alaska has been without for the past six months.
I’m not certain a dilemma needs to exist; however, celebrating Memorial Day with the reverence and respect it deserves is not exclusive from also maximizing the long summer weekend that accompanies the holiday. This Memorial Day weekend, celebrate the return of summer. Celebrate our recent 2026 graduates and what’s shaping up to be a very strong class of 2030. Celebrate the vibrancy of the season and a campus that feels reborn. Celebrate with friends and in ways that mute some of the louder noises of the world. Make the most of the weather, the outdoors, and the reemergence of the sense of community that somewhat pauses over the winter months. Use the holiday weekend to jump-start our march toward our nation’s next big event – celebrating a milestone Independence Day in just six short weeks.
Just take one small moment at 3 p.m. (regardless of time zone) this Monday, May 25, to honor those who paid the ultimate cost to preserve our ability to celebrate all these wonderful things. That specific time on the Memorial Day holiday, documented in U.S. legal code, is the National Moment of Remembrance. It’s a chance for a campus, a community and a Nation to reflect on the importance and necessity of this holiday, and on the heroes it honors. It’s your chance to remember that these men and women who gave their last full measure have buttressed our nation for the past 250 years. It’s also our opportunity to reflect on the fact that, even in our most troubled times, Americans rise to the occasion and win the day – oftentimes through ultimate selflessness.
Make the most of this time of year, and this small moment on Monday. And by all means, have a peaceful, enjoyable and safe Memorial Day weekend!
Friday Focus is a column written by a different member of UAF's leadership team every week. On occasion, a guest writer is invited to contribute a column.