Government is urging businesses to join with it in observing a minute's silence on September 11 in memory of last year's terrorist atrocities.

A statement released yesterday said: "Government has recently learned of a plan by other countries to remember the tragic events of September 11 with a one-minute silence on that day.

"Accordingly, at 9.46 a.m. on Wednesday all work at all Government offices will stop for one minute to observe the occasion.

"Government encourages various private sector organisations to observe the occasion at 9.46 a.m. in the same manner."

The time coincides with when the first plane hit the World Trade Center in New York a year ago.

Flags will be flown at half mast at all Government offices from dawn to dusk.

Acting Governor Tim Gurney said Government House would be following suit and Britain was also observing the minute's silence at its equivalent of 9.46 a.m. New York time.

Mr. Gurney said he would be attending a special Beating of the Retreat ceremony at Dockyard with US Consul General Denis Coleman Jr., and Acting Premier Eugene Cox on Wednesday.

He said: "It's very unusual to have three of us.

"We see it as a sign of support and solidarity between the UK, the US and Bermuda."

He said of last year's events: "I will never forget that date when so many people died is such tragic circumstances.

"I think September 11 will bring back a lot of memories and images that I, like many others, would prefer not to remember.

"But it needs to be done to preserve the memory of those who were lost under such horrendous circumstances.

"For me the image of the collapse of the tower was horrifying. It was bad enough seeing the aircraft flying into to it.

"But the collapse of the tower brought home the whole horror.

"Who ever imagined even one of the twin towers collapsing into twisted steel, clouds of smoke and rubble? Just horrendous."

The plan for the minute's silence had the support of Bermuda Employers Council executive director Andrea Mowbray who said she would be urging members to observe it.

And Bermuda Industrial Union president Derrick Burgess also backed the plan as he remembered the dead, including the two Bermudians as well as thousands from other countries.

He said: "I hope everyone will be comforted. It's not easy losing a loved one especially with such a violent death."