Millions of Europeans observed three minutes of silence at noon Wednesday

Millions of Europeans observed three minutes of silence at noon Wednesday, in memory of the estimated 150,000 people who died when massive waves surged onto the shores of the Indian Ocean on Dec. 26. Leaders said the tribute was a sign of solidarity with the Asian countries that lost tens of thousands of citizens, as well as the families of the thousands of European travellers who were killed in the disaster or are still listed as missing. From Sweden alone, 52 people have been confirmed dead and more than 1,900 others are still missing. "We have lost so many – a father, a mother, granddad, our little child, our small, small sister, my friend," Swedish Prime Minister Goeran Persson said early Wednesday. "There are so many names that will be shouted today. It is so empty where someone is missing." Trains and buses halted on their routes, airplanes were delayed from landing or taking off, stock market traders turned their backs on their computers, and flags flew at half-mast in the European Union's 25 member nations. Special prayers were said at Canterbury Cathedral in England and other churches on the continent. British Prime Minister Tony Blair said the outpouring of assistance from around the world since the tsunami hit has been remarkable.