EVERY DAY at 9:00 am: A NATIONWIDE MINUTE'S SILENCE

What is the Minute’s Silence?
The Minute’s Silence is a ritual of gratitude, respect and remembrance. It is a symbolic act of unity, open to participation from a broad cross-section of society, and designed to preserve the memory of the Russian-Ukrainian war and our shared struggle for independence.
Regardless of political views or religious beliefs, the Minute of Silence honours everyone and is not coloured by specific ideologies that may be present in other remembrance rituals.

“The overarching aim of the Minute’s Silence is to bring people together, to convey the message that ‘you are not alone’ and that ‘it was not all in vain’, and to keep the memory alive and continue our struggle for independence.”

One thing is certain: a minute’s silence will not replace the people on the front line, will not help the army, will not win the war, and will not bring about change here and now. That is precisely why, during wartime, it is important to ‘remember the fallen – help the living’; this is our organisation’s slogan at present.

Historically, the Minute’s Silence began after the First World War. Most countries observe a Minute’s Silence once or twice a year. But we do so every day. Because our war is happening every day.

A Minute’s Silence (a minute of remembrance, a minute of gratitude, a minute of honour) is a ritual. Like every ritual, the Minute’s Silence has its own meaning.

• Cease all movement and activity (stand up if possible)
• Bow your head or place your hand over your heart
• Think of your loved ones, recall their names, consider whether you’ve made a donation today, and reflect on when you last wrote to a friend or partner at the front
• Feel a sense of togetherness in the moment with your loved ones nearby

Why? A symbolic pause in your own life as a sign of remembrance and respect, acknowledging that someone else’s life has been cut short.

Why? Because this is how we feel unity. When you pause and pay your respects, and the person next to you pauses and pays their respects, when you realise that the neighbouring café has also fallen silent during this Minute and the neighbouring town has also paused – this is about a shared experience and context.

Why? Respect. For the fallen. As another way of saying thank you for fighting for me. Respect for the families. That their loss is remembered.

Why respect and remember? Because that is how we shape society. It is a culture of remembrance that begins with each of us. Remembrance is the responsibility of the living towards the dead.

Why a Minute’s Silence?
We do not yet know how we will remember this war, so this is an opportunity for us to preserve these names (by repeating them, giving them a voice every day); it is a way of ensuring that the understanding of who the enemy is is passed on.

Why every day?
Right now, we are fighting, in particular, for our memory (the right to remember the Holodomor, and now the right to remember the torture in Bucha, Izium, and in captivity), so this is a Minute to remind us why we must carry on. It is also a Moment of Faith and Gratitude, because despite attempts to break us – we continue to work, to live, to wear white shirts, to argue in the bank, to buy flowers from the old ladies.

Why should I do this?
You don’t have to. Only if you feel like it. We can’t force anyone, we can only explain why it’s important.

Why is this important for business?

We are a socially responsible business. We support the Armed Forces financially, and some of our employees have gone to defend the country and/or have lost their lives defending us. The war has affected everyone, so it is very important to remember this. To reflect. To give thanks and to help.

A minute’s silence is simply a moment for us to come together and mark the start of the day. That is where we will begin.

What should we reflect on?

A minute’s silence can be seen as an opportunity to honour the fallen defenders of Ukraine, the civilians who have died as a result of Russian aggression, and the victims of war crimes. At the same time, through the minute’s silence, we remind ourselves, as Ukrainians, of the truth about the Russian-Ukrainian war and the price of our independence. It is an opportunity to express gratitude and solidarity.

Or you could think about where to donate 10 hryvnias today, so that fewer soldiers lose their lives.

Remembrance is always about action.

Reaction

Your visitors may not immediately understand what is happening. And that’s perfectly normal. That’s what your team and staff are there for. It is their job to explain what is happening.

If our guests and visitors approach you with questions, please explain to them what the Minute’s Silence is, why everyone is pausing, and why you are doing this. In our experience, it is the staff who are the driving force; when approached at 09:00, they simply say, “Please wait, the Minute’s Silence is taking place.” If your customers have any other questions, please explain.

What should you do at 09:00?

At 08:59, the audio announcement begins.

While the voice is playing, you have the opportunity to pause your work.

If you are sitting and can stand up – stand up. If possible, stop working. If you are unable to stand up (let’s remember inclusivity) – you can bow your head and place your hand over your heart. If you are walking somewhere, stop.

Observe this Minute of Silence. In your thoughts. Together with everyone.

After that, you may return to your work.

Important: do not force anyone; this should be a voluntary act.

A similar procedure should apply to visitors, but they are learning from you. You are an example to them.