DEAR ABBY: “Lest we forget” — these three simple, but very meaningful words are a reminder TO ALWAYS REMEMBER the sacrifices made for our freedom.

I recently read about a Vietnam veteran who will never forget Memorial Day in 1970. He was wounded in the jungles on that day, fighting for his life with his comrades. Almost his entire company had been wounded or killed during an early morning attack by the North Vietnamese army. Although he was the first wounded, the first to die were soldiers on either side of him. Not a Memorial Day goes by without him hearing from his remaining comrades. They, too, have never forgotten that deadly attack because they experienced the holiday’s true meaning.

A patriotic organization, No Greater Love (ngl.org), initiated the National Moment of Remembrance established by Congress in 2000. At 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, Americans are asked to pause wherever they are to honor those who have died for our freedom throughout history.

For more than 40 years, the AFL-CIO, North America’s Building Trades Unions, Ironworkers, Fire Fighters and the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers — in union with No Greater Love — have honored our fallen, our troops, our veterans and their families, and have participated in the National Moment of Remembrance. And Major League Baseball games will also observe the Moment. This is a moment of love — a love for those we honor and their families and a love of God and country.

Let us never forget. Remember to pause and say a prayer at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day. — CARMELLA LaSPADA, FOUNDER, NO GREATER LOVE

DEAR CARMELLA: Thank you for the timely reminder. Readers, tomorrow is Memorial Day. I know many of you will be busy with barbecues at the park, swimming and sunning at the beach, shopping in the malls, or watching baseball in person or on television. But please, folks, take a moment and join me in participating in the Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. because that’s what this holiday is really all about.

DEAR ABBY: I am tired and disgusted hearing our friends brag about their travels to Alaska, Italy, Hawaii, etc., while my husband and I are financially and medically unable to do such things. One of my longtime “friends” is actually taking a friend of hers to London, all expenses paid.

This is hard for me to swallow. How can I remove myself from this kind of talk and still maintain friendships? — ON THE GROUND IN OREGON

DEAR ON THE GROUND: I can think of two ways. The first would be to tell your closest longtime friends that you would prefer not hearing about their adventures because, considering your circumstances, it is depressing. The other would be to discuss with your husband and your doctor the feasibility of planning an inexpensive getaway to someplace nearby so you won’t feel so left out.

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 www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person, order “How to Be Popular.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)