It has been one year since the UK first went into lockdown, and since then hundreds of thousands of lives have sadly been lost.
A National Day of Reflection has been organised by end-of-life charity Marie Curie for people to come together to remember those who have died during the coronavirus pandemic, and to support those who have been bereaved.
Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates…
What time is the minute silence on the National Day of Reflection 2021?
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: “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.
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.
Why is there a minute silence?
The minute’s silence at midday and 8pm is a time for people to reflect on the last 365 days and remember those who have died.
The Marie Curie website says: “Together, we’ll honour loved ones who have died and reflect on the challenges we have overcome.
“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.”
The National Day of Reflection 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.
How else will the National Day of Reflection 2021 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 to mark the day.
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
