Remembrance Sunday Ceremony
The National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph has happened every year since 1921. It is an opportunity for a national expression of remembrance and a commemoration of all those killed and injured in service of their country.
The Cenotaph itself was originally intended as a small part of the Peace Day events of July 1919. It was designed and built by Edwin Lutyens at the request of the then Prime Minister Lloyd George.
The word Cenotaph is Greek and literally means 'Empty Tomb', The Cenotaph was initially a simple wood and plaster construction. At its unveiling in 1919 the base of the monument was covered in wreaths by the public in remembrance of the dead and missing from The Great War. The extent of public expressions of remembrance just a year after the end of the war was so great that it was decided that The Cenotaph should become a permanent and lasting memorial. The Cenotaph was rebuilt from Portland stone and was unveiled in 1920. The inscription reads simply "The Glorious Dead".
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It was originally conceived as a commemoration of the war dead of the first World War but after the Second World War the scope of the ceremony was extended to focus on the nation's dead of both World Wars, and in 1980 it was widened once again to extend the remembrance to all who have suffered and died in conflict in the service of their country and all those who mourn them.
At 11am on the second Sunday of November a Remembrance Service is held at the Cenotaph to commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts. The representatives of the armed forces and the civilian services taking part begin to assemble at 10am. The service, led by the Bishop of London, starts with a two minute silence at 11am and lasts around 20 minutes.
After the service, wreaths are laid on the Cenotaph by Her Majesty The Queen and members of the Royal Family, followed by the Prime Minister on behalf of the Cabinet, leaders of the opposition parties and the Foreign Secretary on behalf of the Overseas Territories. Wreaths are then laid by the High Commissioners of Commonwealth countries, the Chiefs of Staff of the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force and the representatives of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets, Merchant Air Services and civilian services.
The wreath laying is followed by the march past the Cenotaph of ex-servicemen and women and civilian organisations, which lasts for about one hour. The march past starts on Whitehall outside Horse Guards, and proceeds along Whitehall, past the Cenotaph, where wreaths are laid, onto Parliament Square, along Great George Street, and finally along Horse Guards Road and back to Horse Guards Parade.
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Members of the public can watch the ceremony for free from the pavements along Whitehall and Orders of Service (PDF 30kb) are distributed to members of the public wishing to take part. Space is limited and people generally arrive from 8am onwards in order to secure a good viewing place. A large video screen may also be erected on Whitehall to the north of the Cenotaph, on Raleigh Green, and a smaller screen will be mounted outside the Scotland Office (further to the north in Whitehall).
Those wishing to take part in the official march past should contact the Royal British Legion who organise the march itself.
The nearest Underground stations are Westminster station on the District, Circle and Jubilee lines, St. James' Park station on the District and Circle lines (five minutes walk) and Charing Cross station on the Northern and Bakerloo lines (ten minutes walk). For more information a map of the area (PDF 48kb) is available.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is responsible for overseeing the arrangements for the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph.
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Enquiries
For further information contact Leila Brosnan (020 7211 2380) or Nick Pontefract (020 7211 2382)
The Public – Use of Cameras
Members of the public should note that, although photography is permitted, the Metropolitan Police have powers to remove obstacles (such a camera tripods) where they are obstructing public access or views.
Security
If you are planning to view the Remembrance Sunday Ceremony and march past in central London on 12th November, you are advised not to bring suitcases or large bags with you and to leave plenty of time for security searches at entry points to the Whitehall area. The search arches at entry points to the area will open at 8 am on Remembrance Sunday. For further general advice on security in central London please visit the Metropolitan Police website at www.met.police.uk.
Media Accreditation
Media organisations wishing to film or photograph the ceremony should contact the Department for Culture, Media and Sport Press Office, who issue special passes allowing access to the media stand for accredited representatives. No media passes will be issued after Tuesday 7th November. Media representatives who turn up on the day without prior accreditation will not be issued with a pass. The DCMS Press Office can be contacted on 020 7211 6272.
Useful links:
www.poppy.org.uk
www.bbc.co.uk/religion/remembrance
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