Tag: National Service of Remembrance

We Will Remember Them: Nation falls silent on Remembrance Sunday

National two-minute silence takes place to remember those who died in conflict

  • Members of the Royal Family and senior politicians will lay wreaths at the Cenotaph
  • Around 10,000 Royal British Legion veterans will march past the Cenotaph to pay tribute to their fallen comrades

A national two-minute silence led by His Majesty The King will take place across the UK today as the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph takes place to remember all those who have died in conflict since the First World War.

As well as the two-minute silence taking place at 11am, wreaths will be laid by Members of the Royal Family, senior politicians and faith representatives at the Cenotaph.

Approximately 10,000 Royal British Legion veterans, representing 300 different Armed Forces and civilian organisations, will take part in the March Past; they will be joined by an estimated 10,000 members of the public who will line Whitehall to watch the service.

Among those marching will be 100-year-old Second World War veterans and those who served in recent conflicts including in Afghanistan. 400 members of the South Atlantic Medal Association will march past the Cenotaph to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War. They will also be joined by bereaved family members with the youngest marcher aged eight years old.

For those unable to travel to London for the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph or to attend their local Remembrance Sunday service, the national event will be broadcast live on BBC One, Sky and ITV as well as on YouTube.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “This year more than ever, we are reminded of the huge debt of gratitude we owe those who lay down their lives to protect their country.

“As we fall silent together on Remembrance Sunday, we will honour the memories of the men and women we have lost and pay tribute to the brave soldiers of Ukraine as they continue their fight for freedom.

Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan said: “Remembrance Sunday gives us the chance to come together to remember all those who have fought for the freedoms we enjoy today. This year’s service is particularly poignant as we think of our friends and allies in Ukraine.

“I would encourage everyone, no matter where they are, to come together in silence at 11am to remember and give thanks for the sacrifices made by so many.”

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “Remembrance Sunday is a time to reflect upon the sacrifices made by our veterans and service personnel on operations around the world. We must never forget those who gave their lives in defence of our values and our great nation.

“All of us will also be thinking of those brave Ukrainians who are fighting for their very own survival to defend freedom and democracy for all, just as the UK and Commonwealth soldiers did in both world wars.

“Today, members of the UK Armed Forces at Cenotaph and around the world will come together to honour all those who came before them.”

The Royal British Legion’s Director of Remembrance, Philippa Rawlinson said: “As we come together on Remembrance Sunday, we pay tribute to Her Late Majesty The Queen, The Royal British Legion’s Patron of 70 years and longest serving Commander-in-Chief of the British military.

“Her Late Majesty was dedicated to duty and epitomised the service and commitment shown by our Armed Forces community, thousands of who will march past the Cenotaph where she laid her wreath each year.

“Her Late Majesty’s deep bond with the military lives on with His Majesty The King and The Royal Family. Similar Royal British Legion ceremonies will be uniting communities across the nation in Remembrance and today is an opportunity for us all to take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices of all those who serve, past and present.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will join the Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge, as well as veterans, and military personnel to remember the fallen in Edinburgh this morning.

The RAF Central Scotland Pipes and Drums led a parade from Edinburgh Castle to the City Chambers at 10:30am, followed by veterans, the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and representatives from the three Armed Services.

The One O’Clock Gun will fire at 11am from Edinburgh Castle, as the country falls silent for two minutes in memory of those who have fallen in conflicts over the years.

Legion Scotland National Padre Revd Dr Karen Campbell will then lead a short service. Wreaths will then be laid at the Stone of Remembrance by the First Minister, the Lord Provost, Baroness Goldie, Minister of State for Defence, Chiefs of all three Armed Services, veterans associations and others.

Commemorations will also be taking place across Scotland on Sunday morning.

The Nation Remembers

A national two-minute silence will take place today to remember all those who have died in conflict

  • Members of the Royal Family and senior politicians to attend National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph
  • Veterans and members of the public will return to Whitehall for this year’s service

At 11:00 today, the UK will fall silent to remember all those who have died in conflict since the First World War.

As well as a national two-minute silence, wreaths will be laid at war memorials across the country and Members of the Royal Family will join senior politicians at the Cenotaph in London for the National Service of Remembrance.

This year’s service will return to normal with approximately 8,000 veterans taking part in The Royal British Legion’s Veteran Parade and members of the public returning to Whitehall after the service was closed to the public in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

For those unable to travel to London for the National Service of Remembrance or to their local Remembrance Sunday service, the national event will be broadcast live on BBC One, Sky and ITV as well as on YouTube.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Today we come together to remember those who sacrificed everything in service of our country, in the First World War and every conflict since, including recently in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“It’s a sacred ceremony that has endured for more than a century because we know the unpayable debt we owe those brave servicemen and women.

“We know that for our tomorrow they gave their today. And we know that here at home and around the world, thousands of men and women in uniform still stand ready to defend our unity and our way of life, our values, and at a cost few among us would be willing to pay.

“Today we come together. We wear our poppies with pride and stand as a nation in two minutes of silent tribute.”

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: “Every year we come together on Remembrance Sunday to honour the brave men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

“I am pleased that this year we can welcome back veterans in the march past and the public to be part of this special service. I hope that people across the country and from every walk of life will join those attending today in remembering those to whom we owe so much.”

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “On Remembrance Sunday we pause to remember all those who died in the service of their country and reflect on the sacrifices our personnel continue to make on operations around the globe.

“The commitment and sacrifice of our veterans continue to inspire today’s service personnel as they strive to honour their legacy.”

Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir Nick Carter said: “It is an honour to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph on behalf of all those who have lost their lives in the service of our country.

“They died to protect the free and open way of life that we enjoy today. On Remembrance Sunday all members of the Armed Forces will reflect on this legacy, regardless of where and in what circumstances they are serving, sure in the knowledge that they now have the responsibility to uphold the values and standards that their forebears espoused.

Minister for Defence People and Veterans Leo Docherty said: “Every year on Remembrance Sunday, we reflect on the incredible courage and commitment of our armed forces and veterans.

“Their dedication to our country will never be forgotten and we continue to honour their sacrifices.”

Bob Gamble, Assistant Director for Commemorative Events at the Royal British Legion, said: “For one hundred years the Royal British Legion has led the nation in Remembrance to ensure the memory of those who have served and sacrificed on our behalf is upheld.

“Remembrance is part of the fabric of society, reminding us of our shared history, and today it continues to unite people of all backgrounds, communities, and generations.

“Nearly ten thousand veterans will march past the Cenotaph to honour those who have defended freedom and democracy, and that number will also include hundreds of young people from the Cadets, Guides, and Scouts.

“It is vital the torch of Remembrance is passed to younger generations and we’re proud so many will be attending alongside veterans of all ages. The RBL invites everyone to join us, in our special Centenary year, as we reflect on the selflessness of the Armed Forces community over the Remembrance weekend.”

Those planning to attend the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph should follow the government’s latest Covid-19 guidance.

Public are asked not to attend if they have symptoms of Covid-19 or have been instructed to self-isolate.