Country falls silent for war dead 11.11.11

Britons at home were joined by those serving in Afghanistan in falling silent today to remember the nation's war dead. The two-minute silence at 11am was particularly poignant for those at Camp Bastion, who are mourning the loss of the latest soldier to be killed on active service. Private Matthew Thornton, 28, from the 4th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, was killed by an IED while on patrol in Babaji on Wednesday. His family paid tribute to him last night as a "dedicated soldier" who "loved life". Thousands of troops took part in a parade to mark Armistice Day, attended by new Defence Secretary Philip Hammond. War memorials across the UK's villages, towns and cities have been the focal point for those observing the silence to mark the moment the First World War came to an end. The agreement between Germany and the Allies after four years of fighting took effect at the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" of 1918 - Armistice Day. In London, the Cenotaph was the focus for a poignant remembrance service organised by the Western Front Association. Brother Nigel Cave, the association's padre, led the ceremony which saw wreaths laid at the monument in Whitehall. General Sir David Richards, Chief of the Defence Staff, and the professional head of the British Army General Sir Peter Wall attended along with servicemen and women. The simple ceremony mirrored the rest of the country by observing a two-minute silence at 11am. Television stars paid their own tribute to Britain's fallen at a Trafalgar Square event which featured musical performances and readings. Amongst the performers was Downton Abbey actor Dan Stevens, Strictly Come Dancing's Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace, singing trio The Soldiers and soprano starlet Laura Wright. The event also featured the first screening of a video showing Dame Vera Lynn and Alesha Dixon's new version of classic Second World War anthem We'll Meet Again. At the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, a service of remembrance was attended by local and national dignitaries including Armed Forces Minister Nick Harvey. The monument is designed so that at 11am on 11th November a shaft of sunlight passes though a slot in its inner and outer walls and hits a central bronze wreath sculpture.

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