in some cultures, a black armband signifies that the wearer is in mourning or wishes to identify with the commemoration of a family member, friend, comrade or team member who has died. this use is particularly common in the first meeting following the loss of a member. president franklin d. roosevelt wore a black armband mourning the recent death of his mother at the time he signed the declaration of war against japan in december 1941. in association football, it is common for a team to wear black armbands in their next match after the death of a former player or manager. this may also be accompanied by a moment of silence at the start of the match.