Remembrance Sunday

Throughout the UK, the Sunday nearest to Armistice Day is commemorated as Remembrance Sunday with church services and traditional ceremonies to remember those that died in battle.

In Britain the national ceremony is held in Whitehall in London, where in accordance with tradition, members of the Royal Family including the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales lay wreathes before the Cenotaph. This ceremony is shown on the BBC before an audience of millions across the country and also includes a minute’s silence and the playing of the Last Post by the Royal Marines buglers. Following the ceremony a parade of veterans marches past the cenotaph to lay their wreaths.

The tradition dates back to the 1919 Armistice Day in anniversary of the end of World War One, when on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, those that died in the Great War and all those to follow are remembered with a two minutes silence throughout Britain and the World. In the US this is also known as Veteran’s Day and similar observances are made.

Both Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day are commemorated at local war memorials in towns and villages throughout England, Scotland and Wales and individuals throughout the UK mark the event with the traditional wearing of poppies.

For information on visiting Britain during Remembrance Sunday or to build your own customized vacation in Britain please contact one of our guides