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The Cenotaph
The Cenotaph , from the Greek literally meaning 'Empty Tomb', is the War Memorial in London's Whitehall to commemorate British and Commonwealth
servicemen and women who died in the two World Wars(1914 - 1918 and 1939 - 1945) and all conflicts thereafter.
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The Cenotaph was originally built in 1919 as a temporary structure of wood and plaster to celebrate the first anniversary of the Armistice. |
A massive outpouring of grief of wreaths & flowers prompted the then Prime Minister Lloyd George's Government to commission Edwin Lutyens to design a
permanent memorial in Portland Stone.
Simply inscribe "The Glorious Dead" it is where the Royal Family, Religious & Government leaders gather to pay respect to those who gave their
lives defending the freedom of others.
This Remembrance Service is held every year On the Sunday nearest to 11th November at 11am .
A two minute silence is observed thoughout the British Isles to honour the Dead .
After which wreaths of Poppies are laid on the steps of the Cenotaph & on thousands of war memorials throughout Britain & the Commonwealth . |
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