When do americans observe one minute of silence?

Answer 1

Usually at a public memorial event. In the old days, the custom was to say a prayer (usually a Christian prayer) at a public or patriotic ceremony, when asking everyone to honor someone who had died. But these days, with so many different religious groups in America, as well as secular groups, the custom has changed. Some people still prefer the old way, but in modern times, when showing respect for the memory of someone (like a soldier or a famous person), the tendency is to ask everyone to observe a moment of silence. Silence is a sign of respect, and it does not impose one religious practice on those in attendance; it also gives each participant time to think, and to show their respect in their own way. Of course, at a private ceremony, especially one that is run by the clergy from a certain religion (such as a Christian or Jewish or Muslim funeral), the customs and prayers of that faith tradition are used.