Millions fall silent in memory of war dead

Millions of Britons fell silent today as the nation stopped to remember those who died fighting in the conflicts of the last century.

Armistice Day takes place on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year, the moment the First World War ended in 1918.

The silence was observed at supermarkets, railway stations, airports and even on some radio and television programmes.

At the Millennium Dome, 2,000 schoolchildren joined hands to form a Circle of Remembrance, in memory of the dead and as a symbol of hope for future generations.

This year's Armistice Day marks 82 years since the end of the First World War and 55 since the end of the Second World War.

A number of pop bands have helped to launch the annual Armistice Day tribute, including the Spice Girls, Westlife and, this year, S-Club 7.

Until six years ago, the silent tribute was traditionally held on Remembrance Sunday.

But following a campaign by the Royal British Legion, the two-minute silence has become firmly re-established as a permanent feature in the national calendar.

It is estimated that seven out of ten adults observed the silence last year.

The Royal British Legion is Britain's leading ex-Service charity, protecting the interests, welfare and memory of ex-British Service people and their families since 1921.

This year it hopes to raise £20 million towards continuing to help people affected by any conflict up to the present day. Last year the Poppy Appeal raised a record £18.7 million.

The two-minute silence is acknowledged in Britain and Commonwealth countries around the world, including Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

In the U.S., memorial services were held throughout the country in recognition of Veteran's Day.

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