The Cenotaph

The War memorial, known the world over as The Cenotaph, is situated in London's Whitehall; it was originally built of wood and plaster, for the first anniversary of the armistice in 1919. The memorial you see today was designed by Edward Lutyens and was created from Portland stone, the inscription simply reads "The Glorious Dead"; it was unveiled one year later in 1920.

On the Sunday nearest to 11th November at 11.00am each year, a remembrance service is held here, to commemorate the British Empire and Commonwealth servicemen, who died in the two world wars. The Monarch, representatives of the Church, state, the armed and auxiliary forces, gather to pay respect to those who lost their lives, defending the freedom of others. Hymns are sung, Prayers are said, and the two minute silence is observed; then wreaths of Poppies are laid on the steps of the cenotaph.