Activist: Shut off phones during Remembrance Day moment of silence

Activists are calling on the Netherlands to switch off their smartphones for two minutes during the moment of silence on Remembrance day. "Media silence, public transport stops, even planes can not land. During Remembrance Day the Netherlands stands still. Let us jointly switch off our smartphones at 19:59." the website for the event reads. This initiative was thought up by Sidney Vollmer and is supported by major telecom companies KPN, Vodafone and T-Mobile. Vollmer came up with the idea during a silent march for MH17 victims, he said to RTL Nieuws. "I not only saw people talking, but I also saw them busy with their phones. It suddenly struck me: We don't focus on each other and on the moment, but on the stupid smartphone." he said.