King Charles led the nation in a two-minute silence at the Cenotaph in London on Remembrance Sunday, honouring those who died in conflict. Approximately 10,000 armed forces veterans participated in the Royal British Legion's march-past.
The service held particular significance this year, marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War. Around 20 Second World War veterans joined the commemorations, including three centenarians who shared their memories of service.
Veterans remember
Donald Poole, 101, served as a Royal Army Ordnance Corps technician handling defective explosives and enemy ammunition in India when Japan surrendered in 1945. He said: «It is a great honour to be able to pay tribute to the poor souls who have died in all conflicts and I know how lucky I am to still be here thanks to all those who have fought and served, past and present.»
Poole also paid tribute to civilian services: «I also want to pay tribute to the civilian services who suffered during the Second World War, particularly the fire service, who saved so many lives during the Blitz - many of whom lost their own.»
Sid Machin, another centenarian veteran, was one of the last surviving Chindit soldiers from the Burma campaign. He landed behind enemy lines in a glider at age 19 as part of a special forces unit. Marching with the Chindit Society, he said: «I am proud to be marching at the Cenotaph today with the Chindit Society to mark the end of an emotional year remembering my own and my comrades service in the Far East. It was tough but we just had to get on with it and watch out for each other. I will be thinking of everyone I served with and especially those that didn't make it home.»
Eileen Marshall, 98, represented the Women's Royal Naval Service. She joined in 1944 aged 17 and served at HMS Ganges. Marshall said: «Serving in the WRNS was one of the happiest times of my life, but also one of the saddest, especially when sailors were lost at sea, including my cousin. On Remembrance Sunday, I will be marching with the HMS Ganges Association to honour all those who gave their lives, including my husband Ray, who served with the Highland Regiment and passed away in 1994. I will proudly wear his medals as I remember him and all the fallen.»
Government commitment
Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a statement ahead of the commemorations. He said: «This Remembrance Sunday, we pause as a nation to honour all those who have served our country. We reflect on the extraordinary courage of our armed forces in the world wars and subsequent conflicts, whose service secured the freedoms we cherish today. Eighty years since the end of the Second World War, we remember a generation who stood against tyranny and shaped our future. Their legacy is peace and our duty is to protect it.»
Starmer added: «Such sacrifice deserves more than silence, which is why this Government remains committed to supporting veterans, their families and those who serve. Today, we remember, and we renew our promise to uphold the values they fought for.»
Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, Chief of the Defence Staff, emphasized the nationwide scope of remembrance. He said: «From the Cenotaph in London to memorials in towns and villages across the United Kingdom, and wherever our armed forces serve around the world, we pause to remember their courage, their sacrifice and their enduring legacy. We shall remember them.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
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