• AS we mark the 100th Armistice Day since the end of the First World War, The Royal British Legion believes it is more important than ever for people to embrace the two-minute silence, to pause and share in a moment of remembrance.

We believe remembrance is unique in its role. It brings us together, a reminder that there is more that unites us than divides us, and is a moment that means something to many.

This time one year ago it was a humbling sight as people of all backgrounds, religions and ages came together in communities across the country to mark the centenary of the Armistice.

As we move on from the centenary, the legion remains steadfast in its dedication and commitment to commemorating the contributions of all who have served in the British armed forces.

Our ambition is to ensure that remembrance continues to be embraced and to build on the groundswell of public support that we saw in 2018.

It is thanks to the service and sacrifice of our armed forces, past and present, that we have the freedom to choose how and whether to take part in acts of remembrance.

That so many individuals in towns and communities up and down the country exercise that freedom in order to take part in remembrance events is overwhelming.

Remembrance provides a rare opportunity for people to come together for a common purpose and we are passionate about ensuring this continues over the next 100 years and beyond.

We believe local communities have a real part to play in helping us to achieve our ambition to ensure the torch of remembrance is passed from generation to generation.

Thousands of different remembrance services and parades take place in cities, towns and villages across the country, each year, attended by people of all ages and backgrounds.

But ensuring that remembrance remains relevant and inclusive for generations to come is about more than attendance at services and events.

We want to provide more opportunities for people of all backgrounds to engage with remembrance in a way that is relevant and personal to them.

In a society where much of the noise we make comes through keyboards and smartphones rather than from our mouths we believe a digital two-minute silence will widen even further the unifying moment that the two-minute silence has always been.

This year we have asked people to mute their phones, turn off their screens, shut down their laptops and take two minutes to pay their respects to all those who have made a sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today.

However you chose to do so, we asked you all to stand with us once again this year, to pause and remember.

RYAN ALLAIN
Area Regional Manager
The Royal British Legion