What time is the Two Minute Silence for Remembrance Sunday 2020?

AT 11am on each Remembrance Sunday a Two Minute Silence is observed across the UK.

The silence is meant as a tribute to those who lost their lives fighting for their country in the First World War. But why do we hold the silence on this particular date and time?

What time is the Two Minute Silence today?

Since 1919, on the second Sunday of November, otherwise known as Remembrance Sunday, a two minute silence has been observed at 11am.

It takes place at war memorials, cenotaphs, religious services and shopping centres throughout the country.

Due to coronavirus, Remembrance Sunday will be a little different this yeat.

The Royal British Legion are encouraging Brits to stand on their doorsteps to observe the Two Minute Silence.

The charity, which is responsible for the annual Poppy Appeal, tweeted: “This year we’re honouring veterans like Rajindar, Frank and Norman.

“Play your part from home and take part in a personal act of Remembrance by standing on your doorstep for the Two Minute Silence.”

Why do we have a two minute silence?

On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918 the Great War came to an end after four years.

The Armistice was signed at 5am in a railway carriage in the Forest of Compiegne, France on November 11, 1918.

Six hours later, at 11am, the war ended.

The first Remembrance Day was conducted in 1919 in Britain and the Commonwealth.

Originally called Armistice Day, it commemorated the end of hostilities the previous year.

It came to symbolise the end of the First World War and provided an opportunity to remember those who had died.

What events are happening for Remembrance Sunday?

Due to the national coronavirus lockdown in England, large-scale ceremonies that normally take place in the lead up to Armistice Day on November 11 cannot take place.

For the first time ever, the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in central London will not be open to the public.

However, members of the royal family and political officials will still mark the occasion but with strict social distancing in place.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “This Remembrance Sunday has a particular significance as it marks 100 years since the Cenotaph was installed.

It is with a heavy heart that I must ask people not to attend the ceremony at the Cenotaph this year in order to keep veterans and the public safe.

“We will ensure our plans for the day are a fitting tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and that our veterans are at the heart of the service – with the nation able to watch safely from home.”

The large annual march past the memorial will not take place either, but some veterans will be invited to attend the service, which will be made “Covid-secure”.

In Wales, Remembrance Sunday will coincide with a “firebreak” national lockdown taking place between 23 October and 9 November, with residents told to stay at home. 

But First Minister Mark Drakeford said small-scale Remembrance Sunday events organised by local authorities and the British Legion would be allowed to go ahead as a special exemption.