Nation to fall silent for Remembrance Sunday

The UK will fall silent today at 11am as the country marks the annual Remembrance Sunday Service.

A national two-minute silence will take place across the UK today to mark Remembrance Sunday.

The National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London, along with hundreds of local events across the country will still take place this year by being held outside and in accordance with strict social distancing guidance. Although the public are unable to attend at the Cenotaph, the national event will be broadcast live across Sky, ITV and BBC One with the public invited to remember by staying at home to protect veterans and the NHS.

According to the Ministry of Defence, wWays in which the public can get involved in this year’s socially distanced Remembrance Sunday include:

• Joining in the online conversation by sharing family histories, personal stories and messages of remembrance using #WeWillRememberThem.

• Posting a tribute on the Royal British Legion’s virtual Field of Remembrance or on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Wall of Remembrance.

• A series of educational and creative resources for children where they can download remembrance templates to colour and display at home.

• Ancestry has made over 1 billion UK wartime records free to access over the Remembrance Sunday weekend so you can discover the personal stories and the role your family played in the First and Second World Wars.

• Premier League Academy players have interviewed a range of Second World War veterans, who were also professional football players. Teachers and schools can also use the Football Remembers films as part of their Remembrance activity. You can see the films, and other teaching resources, on the Big Ideas website.

• Writing a letter to a veteran or serving personnel through the Royal British Legion.

• You can watch a livestream of the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph on the DCMS Facebook page.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

“Many of the men and women on parade today have already taken part in efforts to fight coronavirus and many more will do so in the weeks to come. I applaud their selflessness. Whilst remembrance looks different this year, we have made extra efforts to demonstrate our undiminished respect for those who have gone before, and our firm commitment to the continued safety of the British people.”

Minister for Defence People and Veterans Johnny Mercer said:

“While commemorations will be different this year, the COVID pandemic will not prevent us from remembering the huge sacrifices of those who have given their lives defending this country. I encourage everyone to join in the innovative ways in which we can express our thanks to those who serve and have served.”