Sirens wailing, Israel comes to a halt to mark Memorial Day
By ARON HELLER, AP
Wed May 7, 8:48 AM ET
JERUSALEM - Sirens wailed across Israel Wednesday, bringing the nation to a standstill in a solemn two-minute ritual on the country's Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of Palestinian suicide bombings and other attacks.
Pedestrians stood at attention and motorists stepped out of their cars, halting traffic as the sirens rang out. Radio and TV programming were interrupted for the two minutes.
Memorial Day is one of the most somber and emotional days on the Israeli calendar, with nearly every Israeli family touched by decades of conflict. It comes a day before the country celebrates the 60th anniversary of its independence.