London, March 23, (dpa/GNA) – Britain is marking one year since it entered its first lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Named “A Day of Reflection,” a minute’s silence is going to be observed at midday (1200 GMT), and citizens are being encouraged to stand on their doorsteps with a candle at 8 pm.
In a ceremony at one of London’s main hospitals, St Bartholomew’s, an aide to Queen Elizabeth II will hand over a bunch of flowers and the hospital’s chief executive will then read out a message from the monarch.
At 8 pm, famous landmarks including Wembley Stadium, the London Eye and Trafalgar Square in London, the Welsh Parliament building and Cardiff Castle in Wales and Belfast City Hall in Northern Ireland will be lit up in yellow lights to mark the occasion.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who himself was hospitalized with Covid-19, will be observing 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,” he said in a statement.
“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.”
Campaigners are calling for March 23 to be an annual memorial day.
GNA