NI marks lockdown anniversary with minute's silence and doorstep vigil
A 'day of reflection' is taking place to mark a year since lockdown
Last updated 23rd Mar 2021
A minute's silence and a national doorstep vigil is taking place to mark a year since we went into the first national lockdown.
It's part of a National Day of Reflection day on March 23rd, which is exactly a year from when we were told we were going into lockdown due to the spread of Covid-19.
Cool FM and Downtown Radio will also be taking part in the minute's silence and will broadcast silence for a minute at midday to reflect on those who have lost their lives during the lockdown and support the millions of people who are bereaved.
Spearheaded by Marie Curie, over 250 organisations are backing the day.
Over 17,880 people have died in the NI over the last 12 months and Marie Curie estimates this means over 160,000 people have been bereaved since the pandemic began, yet many have been unable to say goodbye to loved ones and are grieving in hugely challenging circumstances.
Clayre Thompson, Belfast, lost her Dad during the pandemic and was only allowed 10 people at the funeral in their back garden. She told us the lack of comforting was one of the hardest parts -
Political leaders back the National Day of Reflection
The First Minister, deputy First Minster and Minister for Health will be taking part in a minute silence at 12 noon and invite everyone to join together, take a moment to reach out to someone they know is grieving, and shine a light later at 8pm that evening.
First Minister for Northern Ireland, Arlene Foster said:
“As we mark the anniversary of the UK's response to Covid-19 with the first lockdown, I’m supporting Marie Curie’s call for a moment on reflection on March 23rd. I’ll be pausing for a minute silence at noon, as my way of showing my respect to those who have lost loved ones and to all who are going through difficult times just now.
“I hope that you will be able to join in the moment of reflection too and reach out and connect with family or friends to let them know that they are loved and remembered.”
Deputy First Minister, Michelle O’Neill said:
“The pandemic has touched all our lives and the last twelve months have been so incredibly hard for everyone across our community. For the countless people who have lost loved ones in the most difficult circumstances, it has been a truly heart-breaking time. It is right that we acknowledge their pain and loss and remember all those who have died across these islands and across the world.
“I’ll be marking Marie Curie’s Day of Reflection by observing a minute’s silence and lighting a candle in memory of all those who have died. I encourage everyone to take part in the same spirit of community and togetherness that we have seen over the last year.”
Minister for Health for Northern Ireland, Robin Swann said:
“The National Day of Reflection provides an opportunity for us all to pause and reflect on the challenges we have faced over the past year of the COVID-19 pandemic and to stand alongside those who have lost loved ones and feel the pain of bereavement and loss. The impact of COVID-19 across our society, including those working in our health and social care sector, has been profound. I am continually astounded however, by the huge out-pouring of support that people have shown for each other during the worst of times and resilience demonstrated across our community.
“As we reflect on this past year and continue to comfort and support all who grieve for those they have lost, we ca also take heart in the growing hope that, with the success of the COVID-19 vaccination programme, there are brighter days to come.”
Joan McEwan, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Marie Curie Northern Ireland said:
“The last year has been one of the most traumatic and uniting in modern history. Our shared sense of loss is incomparable to anything felt by this generation. Many of us have been unable to say a real goodbye or comfort our family, friends, and colleagues in their grief. We need to acknowledge that – and that we are not alone.
“That’s why on 23 March, we will all come together to reflect on our collective loss, celebrate the lives of the special people no longer here, support those who’ve been bereaved and look towards a much brighter future.”
What's happening to mark the anniversary of the lockdown?
There will be a nationwide minute’s since at midday, to reflect on those who have died and support the millions of people who are bereaved.
Later in the evening, the nation will stand on their doorsteps at 8pm with candles, torches or using the light on a phone, to share a beacon of support in these incredibly tough times.
Prominent buildings and iconic landmarks will also light up across Northern Ireland, including Titanic Belfast, Belfast City Hall, Enniskillen Castle and the Guildhall in Derry/Londonderry.
To find out more about the Day of Reflection visit mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection.
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