Remembrance Day 2024

All employees are invited to join in Remembrance Day commemorations on Monday 11 November with a two minute silence at 11am. Remembrance Day, which takes place annually, recognises the signing of the Armistice that marked the end of World War One and offers an opportunity to reflect on those whose lives have been, and continue to be, touched by war.

If you are hosting an event or meeting during this time, please bear in mind that attendees may wish to participate. If appropriate to the nature of your meeting, you may pause the meeting to participate in the two minute’s silence at 11am.

Staff who are members of the Armed Forces Community can additionally choose to wear their military insignia that day as appropriate to their role to raise awareness of the moment in time, but also to enable wider conversation amongst staff about the Armed Forces and service.

East Lothian Provost and the council’s Armed Forces Champion Councillor John McMillan is holding an informal reception for employees who are members of the Armed Forces community to meet and observe the silence together. If you or a colleague has service experience, including as a reservist or veteran, please email armedforcesemployeenetwork@eastlothian.gov.uk for further information.

In real life 

We can't rewind 
We can't fast forward 
But we can pause 
Breathe 
Reflect 

Imagine never knowing what to expect, 
Or when you'll next see your relatives again. 
Imagine feeling uprooted, uncertain,  unstable, 
Longing to sit with your loved ones at the dinner table

No promise of a return to normal 
Imagine these fears lasting for years 
This is life 
For those on the frontline 
Not just back then. It's happening today. 

Their sacrifices help to keep us all safe

So that's why we pause. And say... 
Thank you. 

This November 
We'll stand together 
Like we do every year. 
A chorus of thunderous silence 
Two minutes to remind us 
Of those who look fear in the eye 
And say 
No. I choose hope 

A soft song that grows 
Listen carefully, 
Can you hear it inside your home? 
A quiet belief in something better 
It brings us together 
It lives in the hearts of those who serve 

On testing sites 
And posts overseas 
In every message and picture sent to families 

The hope for a better future 
Let's take just two minutes to pause,  
And remember.