A moment of silence is a period of silent contemplation, prayer, reflection, or meditation. Similar to flying a flag at half-mast, a moment of silence is often a gesture of respect, particularly in mourning for those who have died recently, or as part of a tragic historical event, such as Remembrance Day.
A moment of silence observed by people wearing the traditional folk costumes of the Gail Valley in Austria
Naples, Italy (July 14, 2005) – Navy Chaplain Dave McBeth, left, leads an informal gathering of personnel aboard Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples during a Europe-wide coordinated two-minute moment of silence held throughout the European Union in relation to the 2005 London Bombings.
A moment of silence for the members of the Finnish Government in memory of former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari on 18 October 2023.
First Lady Michelle Obama and President Barack Obama return to the White House after leading a moment of silence for the victims of the 2011 Tucson shooting.
Silence is the absence of ambient audible sound, the emission of sounds of such low intensity that they do not draw attention to themselves, or the state of having ceased to produce sounds; this latter sense can be extended to apply to the cessation or absence of any form of communication, whether through speech or other medium. Remaining mute can be a symptom of mental illness.
Saint Anne, Coptic tempera plaster wall painting from the 8th century
Keep Silent sign, Key Monastery, Spiti, Himachal Pradesh
Soldiers bow their heads during a moment of silence before going on a commemorative march on Forward Operating Base Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq, September 11. The march gave the opportunity to reflect on the tragedy that happened eight years prior.
