Two Minute Silence
At the eleventh hour on the
eleventh day of the eleventh
month. The Two Minute Silence is observed on Armistice Day,
the day which marks the end of the First World War.
The Royal British Legion has always supported the traditional
Remembrance Sunday services and the customary Two Minute Silence on
that day. As the national custodian of Remembrance, the Legion also
believes that when 11 November (Armistice Day) falls on days other
than Sundays - on working days - Remembrance should be brought into
the everyday life of the nation on those days as well.
The revival of support for observance of this demonstrates that,
despite the passing of the years and the declining number of
veterans, the nation still feels strongly about Remembrance.
Remembrance transcends all boundaries. The Legion seeks a small
yet important individual and collective act, a rare moment when the
nation can stand together and reflect on the price of freedom. That
price is still being paid. More than 12,000 British Servicemen and
women have been killed or injured on active service since 1945.
"If we are to maintain our peace and freedom, we must always
remember."
When 11 November falls on a weekday, the
Legion hosts "Silence in the Square" in Trafalgar
Square. This event culminates in members of the public placing
poppy petals into the famous fountains. Visit our Photo Gallery to see pictures of
this moving event from previous years or visit www.britishlegion.org.uk/sits to see highlights of
recent Silence in the Square events.
