Two minutes silence on 11/11th every year

[The Birdman]

Should we stop all traffic to show our respects once a year for two minutes to show our respect for all those that gave some much so we can have freedom. Did you stop and reflect for two minutes.

 

[strings]

I did stop in silence for two minutes.

However, I strongly believe that we should not force others to be silent (i.e. by stopping traffic - literal and figurative). Others fought so that we have the freedom to make our own choices, including the choice to remember the dead. Additionally, I believe, the moment a silence becomes mandatory, it loses its meaning - I have a silence because I want to remember the dead, not because I have to.

 

[The Spanish]

I did stop in silence for two minutes.

However, I strongly believe that we should not force others to be silent (i.e. by stopping traffic - literal and figurative). Others fought so that we have the freedom to make our own choices, including the choice to remember the dead. Additionally, I believe, the moment a silence becomes mandatory, it loses its meaning - I have a silence because I want to remember the dead, not because I have to.

well said strings. it worries me slightly that some people want to turn remembrance into some sort of display. keep it dignified and traditional. why people feel the need to tweak it and discuss ways of making it better or more dramatic baffles me. we remember our friends, family, and strangers who gave their lives for us. thats solemn enough for me. if you think that turning off an advertising hoarding will make a difference to peoples memories or sentiments and gratitude, then that worries me.

 

[Bold Seagull]

I did stop in silence for two minutes.

However, I strongly believe that we should not force others to be silent (i.e. by stopping traffic - literal and figurative). Others fought so that we have the freedom to make our own choices, including the choice to remember the dead. Additionally, I believe, the moment a silence becomes mandatory, it loses its meaning - I have a silence because I want to remember the dead, not because I have to.

I have to agree with this.

I was moved at the Amex on Saturday, and also went to a service yesterday as my kids were in a cub/beaver parade to Easthill Park. I think things like radio broadcasts stopping to observe the silence (and this site closing for 2mins) are a good idea, but there should never be anything 'mandatory' about forcing people to observe this.

 

[The Birdman]

Stopping all traffic would be not practical but they could stop traffic driving past a war memorial while the public show there respects if you can put in a diversion in. I think they stopped the traffic in some parts of London.

 

[The Spanish]

Stopping all traffic would be not practical but they could stop traffic driving past a war memorial while the public show there respects if you can put in a diversion in. I think they stopped the traffic in some parts of London.

what about planes

 

[Hillian1]

Stopping all traffic would be not practical but they could stop traffic driving past a war memorial while the public show there respects if you can put in a diversion in. I think they stopped the traffic in some parts of London.

They do, around Parliament Square during the silence at Westminster Abbey at the garden of Remembrance service.

But I'm firmly in the "you cannot impose this on anyone" camp.

 

[Mellotron]

Pretty much all responses are spot on. Remember them because you want to, not because someone else is telling you to.

 

[Kumquat]

I was on a bus and the driver held it at the bus stop. Told everyone in advance he was going to do that.

 

[hitony]

I did stop for 2 minutes, the least one can do (if it is possible of course!) in remembrance of all those brave people who lost their lives. Personally I think its important we don't lose certain values, and the 2 minutes silence is something I have always remembered and respected.

 

[Commander]

what about planes

Cut the engines, 2 minutes isn't long enough for them to hit the floor if they're high enough, they'll be able to climb back up again.

 

[Kumquat]

On the subject in general agree with other posts. I have noticed this year that there are more poppies on display by individuals than normal and I think there has been a concerted effort. Not least because 68 years on from the last world war we are close to there being very few or no survivors who fought, still alive today. It was lovely yesterday while I was in a pub to see a young man, about 25-30 I'd have thought pay for two men's drinks. He didn't know them but they were wearing their medals and said it's something he and his family do every year.

 

[goldstone]

I strongly believe that we should not force others to be silent (i.e. by stopping traffic - literal and figurative). Others fought so that we have the freedom to make our own choices, including the choice to remember the dead. Additionally, I believe, the moment a silence becomes mandatory, it loses its meaning - I have a silence because I want to remember the dead, not because I have to.

This is correct.

However I do believe that one "two minute silence" each year is sufficient. Currently we appear to have one on the nearest Sunday to the 11th and one on the 11th itself. And of course a minute's silence at the game on Saturday.

The news item about the rememberance service at Camp Bastion yesterday really highlighted the futility of war, particularly our recent "adventures". 400+ British military killed in Afghanistan. For what? What a waste of young lives.

 

[The Birdman]

I did stop for 2 minutes, the least one can do (if it is possible of course!) in remembrance of all those brave people who lost their lives. Personally I think its important we don't lose certain values, and the 2 minutes silence is something I have always remembered and respected.

Well said that's what I was hoping NSC members would say!

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

well said strings. it worries me slightly that some people want to turn remembrance into some sort of display. keep it dignified and traditional. why people feel the need to tweak it and discuss ways of making it better or more dramatic baffles me. we remember our friends, family, and strangers who gave their lives for us. thats solemn enough for me. if you think that turning off an advertising hoarding will make a difference to peoples memories or sentiments and gratitude, then that worries me.

I agree with this.

 

[Renns]

I did stop for 2 minutes, the least one can do (if it is possible of course!) in remembrance of all those brave people who lost their lives. Personally I think its important we don't lose certain values, and the 2 minutes silence is something I have always remembered and respected.

100% agree with this.

 

[maltaseagull]

Cut the engines, 2 minutes isn't long enough for them to hit the floor if they're high enough, they'll be able to climb back up again.

 

[Paris]

Cut the engines, 2 minutes isn't long enough for them to hit the floor if they're high enough, they'll be able to climb back up again.

 

[Tricky Dicky]

Should we stop all traffic to show our respects once a year for two minutes to show our respect for all those that gave some much so we can have freedom. Did you stop and reflect for two minutes.

I was in the doctors waiting room this morning at the time. They announced a 2 minute silence, and it all went quiet except for two women who just keep talking - despite my withering glare.

 

[El Presidente]

400+ British military killed in Afghanistan. For what? What a waste of young lives.

They died due to the failure of politicians to do their jobs well.