Has the one-minute silence been devalued?

BY CHANCE I was in Kensington during the one-minute silence to remember the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire. This busy part of London was suddenly still as people bowed their heads in respect. Police officers and members of the London Fire Brigade, many of whom had probably been involved in the rescue operation, stood shoulder to shoulder in dignified silence. Even the traffic had been halted by police cars. I was moved to tears by the thoughts of the suffering of the families, but also proud of the community spirit on display.

S. CAMPBELL, Glasgow. I WALKED into a branch of M&S to find the lights dimmed and people standing around awkwardly. A short time later it was announced that a one-minute silence had just been observed. The two-minute silence at 11am on Remembrance Sunday was introduced to honour those who gave their lives in the Armed Services in the world wars. It is a meaningful and important annual event. I do not mean to be disrespectful, but surely there are better ways to show our respect to the victims of terrorism and tragic accidents than standing around a shop. R. HAVENHAND, Nantwich, Cheshire.

I AM not insensitive to the horror of tragic events, but where does the grieving stop? Years ago, the bereaved were left to deal with the aftermath in private, which is how it should be, but now we have pop singer Adele turning up to meet the firemen. I can’t attend a football match without a minute’s silence or the players wearing black armbands.

KEVIN ROBERTS, Chesham, Bucks.