MONTPELIER, VT – Momentarily halting their traditional, 24-hour pillaging, Black Friday crowds across the nation observed a moment of silence at the noon hour to honor the memories of heroes trampled earlier in the day. Among others, stores such as Sears, Best Buy, Target, and Toys-R-Us read the names of the thirty-four fallen heroes, stopping to update shoppers on another death in Winslow, Arizona before continuing. “It’s a way for us to remember those who bravely fought and died for their families’ extensive Christmas lists,” said Assistant Store Manager Brett Matsui. “If we can’t do that, then we’ve really lost sight of what’s important.” Many shoppers agreed. “I think it’s great,” said Wal-Mart customer Janeane Corwin, while cutting off an elderly man with her shopping cart. “It’s just the right thing to do.” Added Corwin: “Plus, it gave me the chance to angle into the toy section.” Still, others offered opposing views. “If people wanna honor those folks who died, that’s fine,” said REI customer Jason Ashley, “but, as they say, there is a time for everything and this is the time for shopping. It’s kill or be killed out here.”