Emotional tribute to WWI generation

Nov 11 2009

The nation fell silent on Armistice Day as the passing of the First World War generation was marked at 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.

The 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. We remember, with grief, the gas and the mud, the barbed wire, the bombardment, the terror, the telegram; and, with gratitude, the courage and sacrifice. Never again, they said; the war to end all wars. With resolution we remember."

Prime Minister Gordon Brown and the Duchess of Gloucester, patron of the World War One Veterans Association, were among the British and foreign dignitaries at the service.

The head of the armed forces, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, attended alongside the chiefs of staff of the Royal Navy, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, the Army, General Sir David Richards, and the Royal Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton.

Members of the public from across the UK with links to the conflict were also invited.

The beginning and end of the two-minute silence was marked by gunfire from the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, fired from Horse Guards Parade.

In a statement, the Prime Minister said: "I was deeply humbled to be present today at Westminster Abbey as our nation remembered the bravery and sacrifice of the First World War generation - a generation of heroes. With their sad passing, we have now lost our living link with the Great War. But we must never forget what they did for each and every one of us."