Britain honours war dead on Remembrance Sunday

The Queen is to lay a wreath during a memorial service at the Cenotapth today as Britain marks Remembrance Sunday.

Veterans from across the country have travelled to London to be part of the commemorations in memory of members of the British Armed Forces who lost their lives in conflict.

More than 7,500 veterans and 1,500 civilians will march past the Cenotaph in Whitehall as part of the Royal British Legion’s March Past ceremony today.

The Royal British Legion's National President, Lt General Sir John Kiszely KCB MC said: "Remembrance Sunday is a time for the nation to unite in its reverence for the British Armed Forces past and present.

"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.

"Today, with troops on duty in Afghanistan and other trouble spots around the world, Remembrance, and the Two Minute Silence, are as important as ever.

"It's a personal time for a lot of people, as we each remember loved ones, friends, comrades who have given their lives in Service to the nation."

Memorial services are being held across the country and overseas, including in Afghanistan where a Remembrance service brought together Afghan and British troops.

Churches will take a moment today to say prayers for the war dead in their services.

Young Methodists are holding a second Twitter Remembrance service today to engage those who might not otherwise mark Remembrance Sunday or who are unable to attend a traditional service.

Yesterday, the Duke of Edinburgh paid tribute to fallen servicemen by laying a cross in the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey.

Thousands of small wooden crosses bearing the name of a fallen loved one have been placed in the Abbey’s churchyard, many with messages of commemoration written onto them.

The Duke took time to meet and shake hands with veterans after the short ceremony.

He was joined by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Rev Dr John Hall, and the rector of the adjacent St Margaret’s Church, the Rev Andrew Tremlett.