A Memorial Day holiday during a time of war seems almost unnecessary. When the list of dead from all U.S. wars can be refreshed daily with a new name, a new face, then, rightly so, every day deserves to be a Memorial Day.

But with all our busy schedules, it takes a national holiday for a nation to stop all official business and take the time to honor the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our values.

They are people like Steve Sakoda, 29, of Hilo, a Marine killed by a bomb in a convoy in Baghdad; Army Sgt. Myla Maravillosa, 24, of Wahiawa, killed when her Humvee was attacked by Iraqi insurgents; Lance Cpl. Kristen Keola Marino, 20, of Honolulu, killed in combat in Iraq.

They are just three names among many. Today, it is our duty to remember them all, from every U.S. war.

But it's also a day when we come together, put aside our political differences and agree in the ideal of the good fight and a strong defense, whose ultimate goal should be the preservation of a lasting peace.

The holiday's roots as a moment for unity and healing actually began in 1866 after the grueling and divisive Civil War. Then it was known as Decoration Day, when flags and flowers were placed respectfully on soldiers' graves.

The official name change came in 1882. But it wasn't until 1950 that Congress clarified the day's purpose as a time to stand together as a nation in a day of prayer for permanent peace. Public Law 106-579 designates the minute starting at 3 p.m. local time as the National Moment of Remembrance.

President Bush has continued the tradition, and has also designated the hour starting at 11 a.m. local time as a time to unite in prayer. A quiet time of remembrance will do. Just as long as somewhere in the middle of the holiday's activities — the hotdogs, the picnics, the shopping excursions — you don't forget the real purpose of this day.