For this Friday’s Veterans Day, November 11, many plan to honor veterans with a moment of silence. Congress has given a recommendation to remember those who have served with an extended moment of silence for two minutes at 1:11 p.m. for the holiday.

Although it is a little-known law enacted last month, it is pleasing veterans such as Ken Ficek of Oglesby.

“I am for any and all ways that we can use to honor those who served,” Ficek said, after mulling over the congressional recommendation. “Two minutes of silence doesn’t seem like much but maybe it is a start of a bigger movement.”

So why is the moment of silence set for the time of 1:11 p.m.? The time is based on the Armistice Day tradition of commemorating the end of WWI at the 11^th hour of the 11^th day on the 11^th month, which is why Veterans Day falls on November 11.

Ficek gave his thoughts on what people should reflect about during this moment of silence.

“The time should be best used to pray for those suffering and asking for guidance to end hostilities and achieve some semblance of peace, rather than just remaining silent.”

The resolution recognizing the moment of silence was signed into law by the president in October.