Defence Secretary Wes Streeting laid a wreath at the Cenotaph memorial in London to commemorate Armistice Day and remember those who have died in conflicts.
The national observance brought together senior military figures, schoolchildren, and cadets alongside national leaders. The 11am national silence commemorates the agreement that brought fighting on the Western Front to an end at 11am on 11 November 1918, after more than four years of devastating conflict.
While Remembrance Sunday was marked earlier on 8 November, the annual date provides an additional opportunity to reflect on the impact of war and honour those who have served.
Gloucester Royals Lay Wreath in Staffordshire
In Staffordshire, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester participated in a wreath-laying service at the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens.
“Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day give us an important opportunity to come together as communities and remember the courage, service and sacrifice of all those who have served our country,” Paul Williams, chairman of Staffordshire County Council, said.
The country will fall silent later as the UK marks Armistice Day. Read more 👉 https://t.co/oUymMnhK05 pic.twitter.com/fzvF1YkOpu
Residents and Veterans Pay Respects in Portsmouth and Southampton
Residents, veterans, and serving military personnel attended to pay their respects. Portsmouth Cathedral also observed the silence at 11am, inviting members of the public to gather in the Nave.
In Southampton, the city joined the nation in remembering those who lost their lives in conflict. The city’s main civic Remembrance service took place at the Cenotaph in Watts Park, attended by military personnel, veterans, civic leaders and members of the public.
Services Across Sussex and Eastbourne Memorial Houses
Bognor Regis marked Armistice Day with a ceremony at the War Memorial outside the Town Hall in Clarence Road, with representatives from the Royal Air Forces Association’s Bognor Regis branch in attendance.
Further ceremonies took place in Hove at the War Memorial in Grand Avenue and in Rottingdean at the War Memorial on the Village Green, with both services beginning at 10.55am ahead of the national silence. Civic representatives and residents took part in these commemorations to remember members of the Armed Forces and all those affected by war.
Eastbourne held a special Armistice Day service at 10.40am at the War Memorial Houses in Victoria Drive, with the Mayor of Eastbourne, Councillor Margaret Bannister, attending the ceremony.
Services of remembrance took place at war memorials, churches, and public spaces throughout the region, with veterans, serving military personnel, civic leaders, and members of the public paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The agreement between Germany and the Allies took effect at 11am on 11 November 1918, and the first two-minute silence was observed across Britain in 1919 following a request from King George V.
Earlier coverage: King Charles and Senior Royals Lead Solemn Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph
