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Remembrance Day and the Two Minute Silence have been observed
since the end of the First World War, but their relevance
remains undiminished.
When we bow our heads in reflection, we remember those who
fought for our freedom during the two World Wars.
But we also mourn and honour those who have lost their lives
in more recent conflicts particularly the members of the Orange
Order who lost their lives during the course of the Troubles
in Northern Ireland.
Even today, with troops on duty in Iraq, Afghanistan and
other trouble spots around the world, Remembrance, and this
two minute tribute, are as important as ever.
At the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh
month. The Two Minute Silence is observed on Armistice Day,
the day which marks the end of the First World War.
The Royal British Legion has always supported the traditional
Remembrance Sunday services and the customary Two Minute Silence
on that day. As the national custodian of Remembrance, the
Legion also believes that when 11th November (Armistice Day)
falls on days other than Sundays - on working days - Remembrance
should be brought into the everyday life of the nation on
those days as well.
The revival of support for observance of this demonstrates
that, despite the passing of the years and the declining number
of veterans, the nation still feels strongly about Remembrance.
Remembrance transcends all boundaries and is a rare moment
when the nation can stand together and reflect on the price
of freedom. That price is still being paid. More than 12,000
British Servicemen and women have been killed or injured on
active service since 1945.
Remembrance Sunday, the second Sunday in November, is the
day traditionally put aside to remember all those who have
given their lives for the peace and freedom we enjoy today.
On this day people across the nation pause to reflect on the
sacrifices made by our brave Service men and women.
On Sunday 8th November right across Northern Ireland there
will be many Services of Remembrance, but the National Service
of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall London is a unique
expression of national homage devoted to the remembrance of
those who have given their lives in war. It was originally
conceived as a commemoration of the war dead of the First
World War but after the Second World War the scope of the
ceremony was extended to focus on the nation's dead of both
World Wars, and in 1980 it was widened once again to extend
the remembrance to all who have suffered and died in conflict
in the service of their country and all those who mourn them.
The service at the Cenotaph in London is framed to ensure
that no-one is forgotten. The wreath laid by The Queen and
the other tributes placed on the Cenotaph are dedicated to
all who have suffered or died in war. Members of Parliament,
Political Party leaders, former Prime Ministers and certain
other Ministers and the Mayor of London are invited to attend
the ceremony, along with representatives of the Armed Forces,
Merchant Air and Navy and Fishing Fleets, and members of faith
communities. High Commissioners from Commonwealth countries
also attend the ceremony and lay wreaths at the Cenotaph.
A part of a poem written by Laurence Binyon and first published
in the Times on 21st September 1914 is often read out during
Remembrance Services and is a reminder to all of us of the
sacrifice given by others so that we might enjoy peace and
freedom.
They shall grow not old, as we that are
left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
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