Observing 2 minutes silence.

I always try to do this on the 11th as it means a lot to me coming from a Services background but it seems it no longer means that much to an increasing number of people.

At work I got incredulous looks because I said "it's 10 to 11 and I want to observe the 2 minutes silence so you'll just have to wait!"

Is it because the ceremony precedes that actual day do you think?

I find it hard coping with people walking past me laughing and chatting when I'm standing there deep within my own thoughts, remembering mainly family who are long gone who "did their bit" plus all the millions of others.

It doesn't seem to bother them at all and one of them gave that universal "silly old sod" whirling finger sign too - do the younger ones not have any respect these days?

I told my wife about Holland yesterday and what they did back in May 1976 when I was working over there.

I was in traffic, on my way to work when a siren sounded and everyone got out of their cars.

People actually banged angrily on my car bonnet so I got out and they told me it was their 2 minutes silence and asked me to observe it with them, so I did.

Rotterdam was savagely bombed the day before the Dutch Army surrendered in WWII and feelings were still very strong back in 1976.

I suppose it's still like that there but maybe it's not now and it's just me.

So sad. stevmk2

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There were 4 of us out for late breakfast today and all 4 observed the 2 minutes silence, nobody else bothered they didn't even turn the background music off, we were disgusted.

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I'm afraid that the British people in general are not the same sort of people I grew up with.

O tempore, O mores.

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I'm surprised at this - just watched the news and was moved to tears, as years before, to see people absolutely still in each city for the 2 minute silence
I stand at that time and after each bell sounded I whisper 'bless you all'

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I'm surprised at this. All my cronies and my youngsters observe the silence whether at work or home.
Driving is difficult but apart from that...

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Stevmk2...On May 4th Dutch remebrance day there is 2 minutes silence at 8 pm.
Nothing moves. All tv and radio stations are silent busses pull over no train leaves a station and no flights leave Schipol.
All shops and bars are close at 8pm by law..
Everyone is indoors..

Watch the airport fall still at 8pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jba1QUKfDGU

Re: Observing 2 minutes silence.

It is only right that the 2 minute silence should be observed, not really much to ask IMO.

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Cass, that's an amazing video, thanks for posting it.

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I always observe it - where ever I happen to be - such a little thing to do for those who did so much!

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I work in the retail industry, face to face with customers, most observed
the two minutes silence. Just a few (all young people) who continued walking, talking and picking up things from shelves etc.

Morons.