On Remembrance Day, is there a 60-second silence observed?
Remembrance Day, observed annually on November 11th, holds deep significance in the UK as a day to commemorate the sacrifices of armed forces members who have died in the line of duty since World War I. The date itself is crucial: it marks the armistice signed between the Allies and Germany that ended the war, taking effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. To honour this moment, a two-minute silence is observed across the UK, not a 60-second or one-minute silence. This silence is a powerful act of collective remembrance, allowing people to pause and reflect on the impact of war and the importance of peace. While a minute might seem like a significant amount of time, the two-minute duration specifically links back to the historical moment of the armistice and provides a more profound opportunity for reflection.
Think of Remembrance Day echoing the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – a 2-minute silence, not just 1 minute.