King Charles led the nation in a two-minute silence at the Cenotaph in London on Remembrance Sunday, honoring those who died in conflict. The ceremony held special significance this year, marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War.
Approximately 10,000 armed forces veterans participated in the Royal British Legion's march-past, which began at 11:25 am following the silence. Among them were around 20 Second World War veterans, including three centenarians whose personal stories embodied the dwindling generation that defeated tyranny eight decades ago.
Centenarian veterans march
Donald Poole, 101, a Royal Army Ordnance Corps technician who handled defective explosives and enemy ammunition, was serving 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 added: «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, also 101, served as a "Chindit" soldier during the Burma campaign, landing behind enemy lines by glider at age 19. «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», he said. «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.»
Honoring personal loss
Eileen Marshall, 98, who joined the Women's Royal Naval Service in 1944 aged 17, marched with the HMS Ganges Association. «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», she said.
Marshall wore her late husband's medals as she marched. «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.»
Official tributes
Prime Minister Keir Starmer reflected on the anniversary in a statement: «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.»
He added: «Such sacrifice deserves more than silence, which is why this Government remains committed to supporting veterans, their families and those who serve.»
Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, Chief of the Defence Staff, 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.»
Senior royals and politicians joined the King at the Cenotaph to lay wreaths, while thousands lined Whitehall to pay their respects.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
