Nassau County will pause together on Memorial Day Monday, with sirens set to sound at Mineola's Fire Department at noon and again at 6 p.m. for 50 seconds each time, while church bells across the Diocese of Rockville Centre ring in step with the blasts.

The county made the announcement Friday at a firehouse in Mineola, where about two dozen people gathered to hear Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, local fire officials and Vietnam War veteran Luke Magliaro describe the observance. It will be the fifth consecutive year Nassau County has held the countywide moment of remembrance on Memorial Day, a ritual meant to honor members of the U.S. military who died in service to the country.

Magliaro said Memorial Day is a day to honor and reflect on the sacrifices and lives of those who served and died in wars for the country. He added that the nation would not be having the conversation at all if not for those who fought and, more importantly, those who gave their lives so others could be here.

Michael Uttaro said the 50-second siren blasts are meant to represent the 50 states, and he framed the gesture as a reminder for people swept up in the holiday. With barbecues, hamburgers, hot dogs and beers filling the day, he said, it gives people a minute to stop and think about why the holiday exists in the first place. He called it a nice touch.

The observance has become a fixed point in Nassau County's Memorial Day calendar, and this year's timing gives it a clear public reach: two blasts, one at noon and one at 6 p.m., paired with church bells across the county's Catholic parishes. The format is simple, but the message is direct. Nassau County is asking people to interrupt the holiday long enough to remember the dead before they return to the cookouts and the crowds.