Culture,
October 13 2022
At the London Cenotaph, people gather every Remembrance Sunday to reflect and pay their respects to those lost in wars, past and present.
Every November, the nation comes together to commemorate Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day, with a two-minute silence at 11 am. The date originally marks the end of World War One ending at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, but now it’s a day of remembering the service and sacrifice of all those who have died in all wars and conflicts – from World War Two to Afghanistan – and in active service. Millions of people wear red poppies, and poppy wreaths are laid at war memorials, cenotaphs and churches across the country.
Remembrance Day is also called Armistice Day and is always on November 11th, whereas Remembrance Sunday falls on the second Sunday in November. Many schools, offices and churches mark November 11th with a two-minute silence at 11am. Remembrance Sunday is a national opportunity to remember all those who have served and sacrificed their lives in war.
On Remembrance Sunday, the National Service of Remembrance takes place at the Cenotaph in Whitehall. You can watch the ceremony by standing on the pavements along Whitehall and Parliament Street. Each year, ten thousand veterans march, and senior members of the Royal Family and politicians lay wreaths at the cenotaph. As a spectator, you don’t need a pass or ticket.
Another way to commemorate Remembrance Sunday in London is to visit the Imperial War Museum to learn the stories of those affected by war and conflict from World War One to today. If you visit on Remembrance Sunday, there will be a two-minute silence at 11am, and other special events take place on and around this date to mark the occasion.
You can show your support by donating to the British Legion, who raise money by selling poppies to support those serving in the Armed Forces as well as former service people and their families.
If you’re coming to London for Remembrance Day or Remembrance Sunday, stay at Thistle Trafalgar Square or Thistle Marble Arch in the heart of London.
