Exact time UK will fall silent for Remembrance Sunday as King Charles leads national tribute
As King Charles is set to hold the UK's ceremony for Remembrance Sunday, here's what time the nation observes its two minutes of silence to honour fallen servicemen.
Today marks over a hundred years since Armistice Day, which is now known as Remembrance Sunday – the day the guns fell silent.
According to Care After Combat, Remembrance Sunday takes place on the closest Sunday to the 11th of November, where 'poppies bloom on lapels, and communities across our nation prepare for services and events dedicated to those who have sacrificed for our country.'
The annual observation of two minutes’ silence to remember British troops who lost their lives at war, sees many people all over the UK and Commonwealth observe the period to pay respects.
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But what time is the period of silence and why does it happen at the same time every year?
With the words 'never forget' embossed on flags, signs and clothing, the collective remembrance occurs to commemorate the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918.
This was the time that after four years of conflict that had killed millions, the Western Front suddenly became silent and the armistice had been signed, officially ending the Great War.
King George V declared one year later that there should be a two-minute silence held in honour of the moment, and from there, the rest was history.
Sunday’s two-minute silence will take place at 11am (GMT) as part of Remembrance Sunday.
However, because Remembrance Sunday precedes the 11th of November (correct date for Remembrance), an additional two-minute silence will also be on that date, which also is held at 11am.
As part of today's service, the Royal Family – who historically have taken part in military service – will lead the national remembrance in London.
There, the King and other royals will be joined by senior politicians and veterans to lay wreaths at the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in the city, where 10,000 veterans will march past.
With servicemen of all ages going to be in attendance, some will also be there after receiving help from the royal-backed Invictus Games Alumni contingent.
43-year-old Steve Hooper, a former RAF mechanical transport driver who served during the war in Iraq, told the Independent that he struggled a lot upon his arrival back home.
He said: "I saw a lot of trauma in Iraq as an ambulance driver, and when I came back, I was struggling with sleep and having flashbacks. If it wasn’t for the support I received from the Royal British Legion through the Invictus Games, I don’t know where I’d be today.
"I am proud to be marching alongside my fellow team members as we reflect on our recovery journeys and remember all those who weren’t as lucky. I’ll also be thinking about the families who still live with the impact of service and conflict. For me, it’s a time to pause, acknowledge and remember."
Topics: Royal Family, UK News
Britt Jones
