WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the United States House of Representatives unanimously passed the bipartisan Veterans Day Moment of Silence Act under unanimous consent. S. 1004 directs the President to issue an annual proclamation calling for the United States to observe two minutes of silence on Veterans Day. Congressman Stephen F. Lynch (D-Boston) introduced the House version of this legislation. H.R. 995 passed the House in July of 2015.

The Veterans Day Moment of Silence Act calls for two minutes of silence every Veterans Day to recognize and reflect on the service and sacrifice of all veterans, past and present. The set time of 2:11 PM EST allows for all 50 states and Puerto Rico to take part simultaneously.

“Our country has a responsibility to the men and women in our armed forces to honor their courageous service and sacrifice. By coming together as a nation with a moment of silence each Veterans Day, we send a powerful message of our appreciation for all veterans have done for our country,” said Congressman Lynch. “Thank you to Senators Kirk and Durbin for moving this legislation in the Senate and to the bipartisan cosponsors in the House for their support. Taking time to give thanks to members of our military is something we all can agree on.”

The Veterans Day Moment of Silence Act was the inspiration of the Bendetson family: Daniel, Michael, and their father, Dr. Peter Bendetson, of Weston, Massachusetts.

Congressman Lynch first introduced the Veterans Day Moment of Silence Act in 2013. S. 1004, which was introduced by U.S. Senators Mark Kirk (R-Illinois) and Dick Durbin (D-Illinois), will next go to the President for his signature to become law.