The nation falls silent to mark Armistice Day
- 00:01:24
- ITN
The nation falls silent to mark Armistice Day
The UK has marked the passing of the First World War generation in a moving memorial service. The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, senior politicians and the heads of the armed forces gathered for the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, in central London. Former and serving military personnel joined members of the public in standing for the traditional two-minute silence to remember the sacrifice of those who have died for their country. Today's service at the Abbey was held following the deaths this year of the final three veterans of the war living in Britain. William Stone died in January, aged 108, followed in July by Henry Allingham, 113, and Harry Patch, 111. The Very Rev Dr John Hall, Dean of Westminster, opened the service by recalling the moment exactly 91 years ago when the guns fell silent in Europe. He said in his bidding: "The Great War was over. Lives, friendships, families, societies, nations had been shattered. Everything had changed. On this day two years later and at this hour, an unknown warrior, chosen at random to represent all those of these islands who had fought and died, accorded the highest honour of a state funeral, was buried here."
ITN | November 11, 2009
