Over the past year, the UK and the rest of the world have faced an unprecedented challenge in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
In England, today (Tuesday 23 March) marks a year since Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave a televised address to the nation in which he called for an immediate national lockdown.
Everyone in England was asked to comply with the “stay at home” message, only going out for essential reasons such as work, exercise and shopping for necessities where necessary.
To mark the anniversary and to remember the more than 100,000 lives lost, a minute’s silence was held at midday and a candlelit vigil will be taking place this evening.
What time are the vigils happening?
At midday there was a minute’s silence around the UK followed by a bell toll.
Later, at 8pm this evening, a candlelit vigil will be held to signify a “beacon of remembrance”. People are being asked to stand on their front doorsteps and light a candle, shine a torch or hold up their phones in a show of unity.
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The two events are part of a day of national reflection, where we take stock of the past year and think of those who are no longer with us.
Who has organised this?
The initiative is being organised by the end-of-life charity Marie Curie, which has named Tuesday 23 March, the first anniversary of the national lockdown, a National Day of Reflection.
The charity’s Patron HRH The Prince of Wales has supported the campaign.
Prince Charles, who himself has had coronavirus, said: “We have all been inspired by the resourcefulness we have witnessed, humbled by the dedication shown by so many, and moved, beyond words, by the sacrifices we have seen.
“In their memory, let us resolve to work for a future inspired by our highest values, that have been displayed so clearly by the people of this country through this most challenging of times.”
Who is taking part?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he will observe the minute’s silence privately.
“The last 12 months has taken a huge toll on us all, and I offer my sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones,” Mr Johnson said.
“Today, the anniversary of the first lockdown is an opportunity to reflect on the past year – one of the most difficult in our country’s history.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has also expressed his intention to reflect and encourages us to mourn and be thankful.
He said: “This day of reflection is an opportunity to pause and remember all that’s happened over the past year, to mourn those who have died but also to give thanks for those who have looked after us and our communities.”
Support will be shown around the country as London landmarks including the London Eye, Wembley Stadium and Trafalgar Square will be lit up in yellow this evening.
Tottenham Hotspur stadium will similarly light up yellow at 8pm to coincide with the candlelit vigil.
Public buildings across Wales will show their support in the same way. In total, the day of reflection has the support of over 250 organisations.
This includes nursing staff, who themselves have been on the frontlines throughout.
Dame Donna Kinnair, Royal College of Nursing leader, said: “After a year of sacrifices and gestures, great and small, we are taking our turn to thank the public. In a time of loss and fear, they helped us to keep digging deeper.
“We will take a day to remember and reflect – as much about the future we want as the year we’ve had.”
