Armistice Day: Nation to fall silent to remember Britain's war dead

The nation will fall silent for two minutes this morning to remember Britain’s war dead.

Traffic lights at Trafalgar Square will turn red for the duration of the traditional “Silence in the Square” as veterans and military chiefs pay their respects at the Cenotaph in Whitehall.

Schools, offices and churches across the country will mark Armistice Day at 11am. Music will precede the Trafalgar Square event, which will be followed by the scattering of poppy petals in the fountains.

About 5,000 people are expected to be at the event.

Helen Hill from the Royal British Legion said: “The two-minute silence is a rare moment for the nation to stand together and reflect upon the human cost of conflict.

“It’s vital that people of all ages understand the importance of remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice defending the freedoms we enjoy today.

“Silence in the Square is such a great event because it provides the public with a collective place to come together and participate in the two-minute silence in whatever way they feel most comfortable.”

Later today 19 British veterans will be presented with the Legion d’honneur, France’s highest distinction, for their role in liberating France during the Second World War.

The medals will be presented by French Ambassador Sylvie Bermann at a ceremony in Kensington, where she lives.

Ms Bermann said: “I feel privileged and incredibly moved to award these veterans with France’s highest distinction, which is our way of thanking them for their tremendous service to our country in the Second World War.