“A moment of silence is a deep and symbolic act of honoring the memory of those who gave their lives for Ukraine for its freedom and independence. This is a moment of unity when every Ukrainian, wherever he is, stops to mentally remember the feat of our heroes and understand the price of peace. We tell why a minute of silence every day at 9 o’clock what to do”, – WRITE ON: ua.news
A moment of silence is a deep and symbolic act of honoring the memory of those who gave their lives for Ukraine for its freedom and independence. This is a moment of unity when every Ukrainian, wherever he is, stops to mentally remember the feat of our heroes and understand the price of peace. We tell you why a moment of silence daily at 9 o’clock, what to do during a moment of silence, how to properly declare a moment of silence and how they spend a moment of silence in Ukraine.
Why at 9:00 a minute of silence?
On March 16, 2022, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky signed Decree No. 143/2022 “On a nationwide moment of silence for the dead in the Russian Federation against Ukraine.” According to this decree, at 9:00 am a nationwide moment of silence is announced at 9:00 am. This time was not chosen by chance. Morning is the beginning of a new day, a time when most people have already woke up and started their activities. This enables the widest possible range of people to join in memory, wherever they are – at home, at work, in transport.
What should you do during a moment of silence?
During the moment of silence, the most important thing is to stop and focus on the memory of the dead. This does not have to be physical real estate, although it is desirable if the situation permits. It is important to gather internally, mentally remember those who sacrificed themselves, express their gratitude and respect.
Recommended actions:
- Stop: If you go, stop. If you drive a car, stop in a safe place if possible.
- Get up: For a few seconds or minutes leave your business and dive into internal reflections.
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Remember: Think about those who died, their feats, their families, the price they paid.
- Keep silent: Refrain from conversations, noise, unnecessary movements. It’s a time of silence and respect.
- Bow your head: It can be a symbolic gesture of a head inclination in respect and sorrow.
How to properly announce a moment of silence?
An announcement of a minute of silence should be solemn and clear so that everyone understands its purpose and importance.
Important aspects of the ad:
- Clear wording: Use phrases like “We ask the memory of the dead for a moment of silence”, “” A moment of silence will be announced now … “,” Stop for a moment of silence to remember … “.
- Objective Explanation: Briefly explain in honor of whom or what the moment of silence is announced to enhance its significance.
- Signal to start and end: You can use the beep (bell, siren), if appropriate, or just clearly say “we start a moment of silence” and “a minute of silence is complete.”
- The tone of the voice: The voice should be calm, solemn, without unnecessary emotions, but with a sense of deep respect.
Who came up with a moment of silence?
The idea of a moment of silence as an act of public honoring memory emerged after the First World War. It is believed that its initiator was Australian journalist Edward George Hani. In 1918, he offered five minutes of silence in memory of the dead. This idea was supported by King George V and was first officially officially held in the United Kingdom on November 11, 1919. Subsequently, this tradition spread the world and became a generally accepted way of commemorating the victims of wars, tragedies and other important events.
Why do you need a moment of silence?
A minute of silence has a deep value and performs several important functions:
- Honoring memory: This is the main goal – to pay tribute to those who died and preserve the memory of their feat.
- Detection of sorrow: This is a collective way to make sorrow for lost lives.
- Unity: The moment of silence unites people in common mountain and respect, regardless of their origin, status or views.
- Awareness of the value of life: This is a reminder of the fragility of human life and the importance of peace.
- Education of patriotism: For the younger generation, it is an important lesson in history and patriotism that helps to understand the price of independence.
- Psychological discharge: For many, it is an opportunity to stop, break away from everyday worries and plunge into internal experiences.
How do they spend a moment of silence in Ukraine?
In Ukraine, since the beginning of a full -scale invasion of Russia, a minute of silence has become of particular importance. Every day at 9:00 am, a nationwide moment of silence is announced throughout the country.
Features in Ukraine:
- Nationwide: A minute of silence is carried out at all levels – from central to local, in state institutions, educational institutions, at enterprises.
- Radio and Television: Many radio stations and TV channels interrupt their speech to broadcast a moment of silence.
- Mobile applications: Some mobile apps and online resources are also reminiscent of a moment of silence.
- Personal Initiative: Many Ukrainians, even if they do not hear the official announcement, stop at 9:00 on their own to honor the memory of the dead.
- Emphasis on the heroes of the Armed Forces: Particular attention is paid to the commemoration of the military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who gave their lives for their homeland.
A moment of silence in Ukraine is not just a formality, but a deep and sincere manifestation of respect, sorrow and memory. It is a daily reminder of the price that Ukraine pays for its freedom, and the feat of those who protect it.
