11/11/2005

Britain pauses to remember war dead

Millions of people across Britain participated in the two-minute silence to mark Armistice Day.

The silence marked the end of the First World War at 11am on November 11, 1918.

As part of the Armistice Day’s events, Britain’s oldest veteran, 109-year-old Henry Allingham travelled to France to lay a wreath at the first permanent memorial to British air personnel who served on the Western Front.

Wreaths were also be laid at the Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill in London, to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Metropolitan Police Chief Sir Ian Blair and Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram were among those attending the event.

The London Eye was also illuminated in red to mark Armistice Day and stopped moving at 11am as those inside – school children accompanied by World War II veteran Len Jeans – paid their respects to those who died.

Insurance brokers Lloyds of London rang the Lutine Bell to mark the start and finish of the two minute silence.

Stuart Gendall, from the Royal British Legion, said: “The two minute silence is the single biggest annual demonstration of public support for any cause in the country.

“This small yet significant individual and collective act is a rare moment when the nation can stand together and reflect upon the price of freedom.”

The Cenotaph Parade will take place on Sunday. The Queen will lay a wreath at the event.

(KMcA/SP)

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