What is the Marie Curie’s National Day of Reflection 2021 and how will it be marked?
CORONAVIRUS has swept across the globe and caused devastation in its wake. Hundreds of thousands of people have tragically lost their lives and the pandemic continues to take its toll. What is National Day of Reflection 2021? The National Day of Reflection, organised by the charity Marie Curie, is to mark one year since the […]
CORONAVIRUS has swept across the globe and caused devastation in its wake.
Hundreds of thousands of people have tragically lost their lives and the pandemic continues to take its toll.
Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates…
What is National Day of Reflection 2021?
The National Day of Reflection, organised by the charity Marie Curie, is to mark one year since the UK first went into lockdown.
The idea is for everyone to come together to collectively reflect loss, support those who have been bereaved, and hope for a brighter future.
A spokesman for Marie Curie said: “Since the first lockdown began in 2020, hundreds of thousands of people have died.
“Too many lives have been cut short and millions have been bereaved.
“Behind the statistics and whatever the cause, every death has been devastating for the people left behind.
“There are still tough times ahead, as the death toll continues to rise.
“This annual day will give us all time to pause and think about this unprecedented loss we’re facing, and support each other through grief in the years to come.”
When is the Marie Curie’s National Day of Reflection 2021?
Spearheaded by end-of-life charity Marie Curie, the National Day of Reflection will be held on Tuesday, March 23, 2021.
That marks exactly one year since Prime Minister announced the country was going into lockdown.
In a speech to the nation on Monday, March 23, 2020, Boris Johnson ordered Brits to stay at home, banned gatherings of more than two people, and closed all non-essential retail.
What time is the minute’s silence?
A minute of silence will be held at midday on Tuesday, March 23.
A live online event has been organised by Marie Curie where guests will share their thoughts, words and songs.
A note of the website reads: “Together, we’ll honour loved ones who have died and reflect on the challenges we have overcome.
“During this session we’ll pause to observe the national minute of silence at 12 noon.”
You can register for the live online event here.
Those who would rather not join the online event can observe the minute of silence in their own way.
What time should I light a candle?
A further minute’s silence will be held at 8pm.
At this time, people are invited to stand outside with a light – be it a candle, a torch or even your phone.
Marie Curie hopes people will come together to “light up the night” to show their support to people going through a bereavement, or to remember someone who has died.
Alternatively, you can shine a light in your window for those passing by to see.
How else will the National Day of Reflection be marked?
The charity is inviting people to share what they do on social media using the hashtag #DayOfReflection.
Many landmarks and buildings such as universities and stadiums across the country will illuminate in yellow at 8pm
The Houses of Parliament will fall silent at midday on Tuesday, March 23 to mark the day.
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Many churches will ring their bells shortly after midday to mark the end of the minute’s silence.
The Church of England, which is backing the event, is also encouraging people to plant a bulb or seed as “a sign of hope” or tie a yellow ribbon around a tree.
For more about National Day of Reflection 2021, visit the Marie Curie website