The National Service of Remembrance
The National Service of Remembrance is held annually at The Cenotaph in Whitehall. The memorial was originally made from wood and plaster as a temporary structure by Edwin Lutyens and was part of the Peace Day events in July 1919. When it was unveiled to the public, the memorial instantly became popular. Within a week of it’s opening, nearly one million people visited the memorial to pay their respects. This led to the memorial becoming a permanent structure and used as a focal point for Remembrance services for over 100 years.
The service includes soldiers, sailors, airmen and women, veterans and those still serving for the country. The service also shows respect and appreciation for those in the emergency services, both past and present.
Around 10,000 people take part in the Parade. This includes Political leaders, current and ex-members of the Armed Forces and World War veterans who will be at the foot of the Cenotaph memorial. Big Ben will then chime at exactly 11:00 when a national two-minute silence will commence to remember all those who have died in war.
It’s expected that King Charles III will lead the whole nation in Remembrance following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Why is Remembrance Sunday so important when the last world war ended over 70 years ago?
Remembrance Sunday is a time to acknowledge and remember those who have sacrificed their freedoms to serve our country within war and conflict.
This is a national opportunity to pay respect to those who have lost their lives in battle. Which includes those who served within the Armed Forces and innocent civilians from the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
Sources used
Comentarios