Every year without fail, the Legion calls upon the nation to unite in order to commemorate Armistice Day. Often symbolised with a Remembrance Day Bench. This year it will fall upon Monday 11th November. Many ceremonies take place on Remembrance Sunday which will be the day before. What is it all about really and why do we take two minutes for a moment of silence?

Remembrance Day Bench- Lest We Forget

This year it will mark 101 years since the Armistice that ended the first world war. In homes, businesses, gardens, cars and people in the street will stop, stand still and fall silent for two minutes. This act of silence is to mark our sincere respect and can be enjoyed on a Remembrance Day Bench. To remember the soldiers who gave their lives to protect the queen and the country. They laid down their lives in not just the first world war but other conflicts too. They fought for our country, our children and the future.

When is the two-minute silence? – The two-minute silence is always on Remembrance Day. The country will fall silent for 120 seconds at the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month to mark the moment the armistice began. The silence will be observed at services around our area and the country, as well as in homes and on the streets of Britain.

Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, writing to Lord Milner in November 1919, described the silence that fell on the city during this daily ritual, and proposed that this become an official part of the annual service on Armistice Day. The first ever two minute silence took place on the first anniversary of the Armistice on November 11th in 1919.

It originates from Cape Town. A daily 3 minute silence took place, initiated by Sir Harry Hands on May 14 1918. This was after he received the news that his son had died in the First World War. The Last Post would be played to start the silence and then Reveille to signal the end. Trams, taxis and pedestrians stopped and all would bow their heads.

Organising a Remembrance Day Bench

We would like to express our sincere condolences to the families of those who have fallen fighting for our country. On this date we will be observing the 2 minute silence and we hope many will join us in doing so.

If you are looking to purchase a Remembrance Day Bench then get in touch with Memorial Benches UK. With 20 years of experience, they can assist you in choosing the right bench, design and delivery.