Armistice Day marked by services around the world
Servicemen and women around the world have joined the nation in marking two minutes’ silence at 11.00 on Armistice Day.
Annual Service of Remembrance, The Cenotaph, London
In 1918 at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month the First World War Armistice was signed in a railway carriage stationed in the Forest of Compiègne in Northern France by military personnel representing France, Germany and Britain. Today, 98 years later, that moment was commemorated across the United Kingdom and by the Forces around the world.
Government Ministers and Defence Chiefs joined members of the Armed Forces, the public and Civil Servants for a service hosted by the Western Front Association at the Cenotaph in London.
British Forces stationed worldwide held similar services from local ceremonies in the UK to events at bases and operational establishments including Cyprus, Germany, the Falkland Islands and the Middle East.
The National Memorial Arboretum also marked Armistice Day with an outdoor Service of Remembrance at the Armed Forces Memorial. The Memorial, which has been closed for a year for refurbishment, was reopened yesterday for the annual Naming Ceremony commemorating the eight military personnel who died on duty during the calendar year 1 January to 31 December 2015.
A service was also held at the Bastion Memorial at the Arboretum yesterday, dedicating 10 new names to the memorial. Senior military representatives attended both services.
Members of the Armed Forces have taken part in numerous Remembrance activities in the last few weeks. Many have joined The Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal, donating their time and effort to sell poppies across the UK in aid of the charity.
A representative from each of the Armed Forces will lay wreaths as part of the Remembrance service tonight at the England versus Scotland World Cup Qualifier match.
Remembrance commemorations will culminate with the traditional Cenotaph ceremony this Sunday in London.