PREVIEW

AssetID: 40000584

Headline: The Duke of Kent leads Armistice Day commemorations at National Memorial Arboretum

Caption: On 11 November 2019, the National Memorial Arboretum, in Staffordshire held an outdoor Service of Remembrance on the Armed Forces Memorial to commemorate the signing of the Armistice which brought an end to the First World War and to remember all those who gave their lives in service to their country since 1914. The service was led by His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent and was attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, representatives from the Armed Forces and The Royal British Legion, and many hundreds of members of the public. The Armed Forces Memorial is designed so that on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, when a two-minute Silence is called in Remembrance of the cessation of First World War hostilities, a shaft of sunlight dissects its inner and outer walls, hitting the central bronze wreath sculpture. Complementing the Cenotaph in London, which commemorates specifically the victims of the First and Second World Wars, the Armed Forces Memorial is the nation’s tribute to the more than 16,000 service men and women since 1948 who were killed on duty or because of terrorist action. It is an icon for contemporary Remembrance and its towering Portland Stone walls have been added to annually since it was opened in 2007. Music during the service was provided by The Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas and the Lichfield Cathedral Chamber Choir. Philippa Rawlinson, Managing Director, National Memorial Arboretum, said: “As the UK’s year-round Centre for Remembrance, today is an especially significant moment in our annual calendar of events. Across the country, people have gathered to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and way of life. It is essential that we continue to observe this important day and preserve the memory of those who have fallen whilst serving our Nation.”

Keywords:

PersonInImage: Prince Edward, Duke of Kent