Support the silence AYEAR ago the Royal British Legion wrote asking for readers' support for our call for a two-minute silence at 11am on November 11.

Over the last two years the nation has demonstrated its strong sympathy with the idea of stopping that day for a moment of remembrance in the hectic schedule of family and commercial life.

So we seek your support again for a two-minute silence on Tuesday, November 11. The Legion hopes that everyone will have, or be offered, the opportunity to pause for two minutes of silent reflection at 11 o'clock that morning, whether at home, at work, at school or college, or elsewhere.

We look particularly to parents and teachers to respond to our call again this year, for it is in the classroom where the link between remembrance and peace is all important. Our children have not known the horror of war, save perhaps through television news pictures from Bosnia, the Gulf or elsewhere.

We should ensure that they understand the value of peace and security by explaining to them the meaning of remembrance. Whether by teaching or by example, it is a message we must get across. This year the Spice Girls have agreed to help.

The Legion is widely regarded as the national custodian of remembrance. It believes that when November 11 falls on days other than Remembrance Sunday, it is entirely appropriate that on those days also remembrance should be brought in to the everyday life of the nation.

"If we are to maintain our peace and freedom, we must always remember."

NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, Royal British Legion.

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