Watch the National Day of Reflection 2021 advert here. What is the song playing called? Let’s get the ad and meaning of the day explained.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us all in one way or another and the National Day of Reflection serves to mark one year since the UK first went into lockdown.
This day of thought and consideration was organised by the charity Marie Curie and essentially invites the public to come together, remembering the lives of those lost and affected by the virus.
However, it is also a day of hope, in which we look ahead together towards a future beyond the pandemic.
Exploring the motivation behind the National Day of Reflection, a Marie Curie spokesman explained:
“Since the first lockdown began in 2020, hundreds of thousands of people have died. Too many lives have been cut short and millions have been bereaved. Behind the statistics and whatever the cause, every death has been devastating for the people left behind.”
He added: “There are still tough times ahead, as the death toll continues to rise. This annual day will give us all time to pause and think about this unprecedented loss we’re facing, and support each other through grief in the years to come.”
The National Day of Reflection 2021 advert has already gained significant attention…
WATCH: National Day of Reflection 2021 advert
Marie Curie have released numerous variations of the National Day of Reflection advert, with perhaps the most notable being titled ‘Possessions’.
It’s a touching clip and pays respects to lost lives and those who mourn them, concluding with a call to remember: “For the millions grieving this year. Join us on 23 March.”
As the advert suggests, National Day of Reflection takes place on Tuesday, March 23rd 2021 to mark one year since PM Boris Johnson announced the lockdown measures.
The 2021 advert offers a touching tribute to those who have fallen victim to the virus, juxtaposing images of those who have passed away and the spaces they once inhabited, now feeling empty and vacant without them.
It’s made all the more emotional thanks to an accompanying song, but what is it called?
National Day of Reflection 2021: Advert song
The song which plays in the 2021 National Day of Reflection Advert is ‘Supermarket Flowers’ by Ed Sheeran.
As highlighted by The Sun, the song was written about the 30-year-old singer-songwriter’s late grandmother and was donated for free to use in the advertising campaign.
‘Supermarket Flowers’ was taken from Ed’s third studio album, 2017’s ÷. Speaking about the track with Zane Lowe, Ed revealed:
“That’s the most special song on the record for me. My grandmother was very ill during the time I was making the record and passed away at the end of me making the record, so we wrote this song as a tribute and just left it on.”
It was actually his grandfather who encouraged him to include it on the album: “My grandfather just turned to me [at the funeral], he was like you have to put that out, that has to go on the record. It’s such a good memory, that’s why it’s ended up on there.”
How to join in on National Day of Reflection 2021
A minute of silence was held at midday and another minute’s silence will be held at 8 pm on Tuesday, March 23rd 2021 too.
Those who wish to take part are encouraged to stand outside with a light, whether that be the torch on your phone or a candle etc. In doing this, the aim is to “light up the night” to show support to those who have lost.
You don’t have to go outside though; shining a light inside from your window is an alternative.