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11/11/2008
Surviving WWI Veterans Attend Armistice Day Memorial
Three of the last surviving British World War I veterans have attended a ceremony at London's Cenotaph to mark the 90th anniversary of the end of the conflict.
Henry Allingham, 112, Harry Patch, 110, and Bill Stone, 108 laid wreaths for their fallen colleagues at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, to commemorate Armistice Day.
The veterans - who represented the Royal Air Force, the Army and the Royal Navy - also led the country in observing a two-minute silence that began at 11.00am.
The silence - on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month - marked the moment when the Armistice Treaty was signed by the Allies and Germany to mark the end of the war which lasted from 1914 to 1918.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Defence Secretary John Hutton and the Duchess of Gloucester, along with thousands of members of the public, joined the three men in central London.
Members of today's forces also joined in the significant anniversary - Marine Mkhuseil Jones (Military Cross), Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry (Victoria Cross) and Flight Lieutenant Michelle Goodman (Distinguished Flying Cross).
Dennis Goodwin, Chairman of the World War One Veteran's Association, said the attendance of the veteran's at the ceremony was "tremendous".
He added: "It is most significant that they represent each armed service - the odds on that are tremendous.
"It epitomises the uniqueness of this generation that they saved three of their men to the last.
"For them to get to the 90th anniversary in itself is tremendous, I think. It is a tribute to mankind in a way."
The event in Whitehall complemented the main commemorations for the 90th anniversary of the Great War Armistice, which also took place today at the Douaumont Ossuary on the site of the Battle of Verdun, France, attended by President Sarkozy and Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.
After the service a reception was held at 10 Downing Street by the Prime Minister for the veterans, their families and the three Service representatives who had laid wreaths.
Of the five million men and women who served in the British armed forces in the war, only four remain.
Charles Choules, 107 - the other surviving veteran - lives in Australia, and he will mark the anniversary at local events.
(JM)
Henry Allingham, 112, Harry Patch, 110, and Bill Stone, 108 laid wreaths for their fallen colleagues at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, to commemorate Armistice Day.
The veterans - who represented the Royal Air Force, the Army and the Royal Navy - also led the country in observing a two-minute silence that began at 11.00am.
The silence - on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month - marked the moment when the Armistice Treaty was signed by the Allies and Germany to mark the end of the war which lasted from 1914 to 1918.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Defence Secretary John Hutton and the Duchess of Gloucester, along with thousands of members of the public, joined the three men in central London.
Members of today's forces also joined in the significant anniversary - Marine Mkhuseil Jones (Military Cross), Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry (Victoria Cross) and Flight Lieutenant Michelle Goodman (Distinguished Flying Cross).
Dennis Goodwin, Chairman of the World War One Veteran's Association, said the attendance of the veteran's at the ceremony was "tremendous".
He added: "It is most significant that they represent each armed service - the odds on that are tremendous.
"It epitomises the uniqueness of this generation that they saved three of their men to the last.
"For them to get to the 90th anniversary in itself is tremendous, I think. It is a tribute to mankind in a way."
The event in Whitehall complemented the main commemorations for the 90th anniversary of the Great War Armistice, which also took place today at the Douaumont Ossuary on the site of the Battle of Verdun, France, attended by President Sarkozy and Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.
After the service a reception was held at 10 Downing Street by the Prime Minister for the veterans, their families and the three Service representatives who had laid wreaths.
Of the five million men and women who served in the British armed forces in the war, only four remain.
Charles Choules, 107 - the other surviving veteran - lives in Australia, and he will mark the anniversary at local events.
(JM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
