The freedom we enjoy today came at a price. Today we remember. We remember those whose sacrifice and bravery bought us the freedom that so often we take for granted.
His Majesty The King leads the UK in the annual two-minute silence at 11am today (Sunday Nov 9) to remember those who have fallen and suffered in conflict at the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph.
The King will be joined by members of The Royal Family, the Prime Minister, senior politicians and faith representatives to mark the Armistice of the First World War and all other conflicts involving British and Commonwealth forces.
10,000 veterans
Approximately 10,000 veterans will take part in the Royal British Legion’s March Past, with over 300 different Armed Forces and civilian organisations represented.
People of all ages will be among those marching – from bereaved children and military cadets, through to some of the last surviving veterans of the Second World War. Approximately 10,000 members of the public are expected to line Whitehall in London to watch the March Past and take part in the annual two-minute silence.
80th anniversary of the end of WWII
This follows commemorations earlier in the year to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War on Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) and Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day), which paid tribute to the millions across the UK and Commonwealth who served in Europe and the Far East, telling the stories of those who fought, the children who were evacuated, and those who stepped into the essential roles on the Home Front.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “This Remembrance Sunday, we pause as a nation to honour all those who have served our country. Such sacrifice deserves more than silence, which is why this government remains committed to supporting veterans, their families, and those who serve.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “This year, as we marked eighty years since the end of the Second World War, we have been reminded of the immense courage and sacrifices made by all those who have served our country”
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “As a nation, we pay our respects and thank our entire Armed Forces community. We will never take their service for granted.”
Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton KCB said: “From the Cenotaph in London to memorials in towns and villages across the United Kingdom, and wherever our Armed Forces serve around the world, we pause to remember their courage, their sacrifice, and their enduring legacy. We shall remember them.”
Philippa Rawlinson, Director of Remembrance at the Royal British Legion, said:” As we come together on Remembrance Sunday, we not only pay tribute to them but to all those who have bravely defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.”
Army veteran Donald Poole, aged 101, taking part in today’s march
101-year-old Donald Poole, a veteran of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, who will be marching with the Burma Star Memorial Fund, said: “It is a great honour to be able to pay tribute to the poor souls who have died in all conflicts, and I know how lucky I am to still be here thanks to all those who have fought and served, past and present.
“I also want to pay tribute to the civilian services who suffered during the Second World War, particularly the Fire Service, who saved so many lives during the Blitz – many of whom lost their own.”
The UK Armed Forces continue to honour the legacy of their predecessors by working year-round to safeguard UK security and global stability. As the nation remembers its fallen, British forces around the world will be protecting NATO’s eastern flank from threats, disrupting threats to international shipping in the world’s busiest shipping lanes, supporting with de-escalating tensions in the Middle East and training hundreds more Ukrainian personnel in the battlefield skills needed to defend their country. In all, close to 9,000 personnel will be deployed on operations and overseas bases around the world on Remembrance Sunday.
