Armistice Day: “Lest We Forget” – remembering all those who have fallen in war.

On Monday 11 November 2013 a short service of remembrance will be held in the Piazza between 10:50 and 11.10am to mark the Armistice signed at this moment in 1918, marking the end of the First World War: the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

The service will consist of a series of poems, prayers, readings as well as the traditional two minute silence at 11am and the Last Post.

On Sunday 10 November (Remembrance Sunday), The Big Screen on the Piazza will broadcast the televised ceremony from the Cenotaph BBC1 London from 10:20am to 12:25pm.

 

The Great War

More than 9 million combatants were killed in WWI, also called 'The Great War': a scale of death impacted by industrial advancements, geographic stalemate and reliance on human wave attacks. It was the fifth-deadliest conflict in world history, paving the way for major political changes, including revolutions in many of the nations involved.

By the end of the war, four major imperial powers—the German, Russian, Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires—ceased to exist. The successor states of the former two lost substantial territory, while the latter two were dismantled. The map of Europe was redrawn, with several independent nations restored or created. The League of Nations formed with the aim of preventing any repetition of such an appalling conflict. This aim failed, with weakened states, renewed European nationalism and the experience of Germany contributing to the rise of fascism and the conditions for World War II.

This is an opportunity for all of us to remember those who have lost their lives, not just in the two world wars, but in wars that have affected every part of the globe.

All are welcome to come and share in this act of remembrance which will be led by the University Chaplains. Many University members will not be able to be at the Piazza but may wish to observe the two-minute silence at 11am where they are.

The Royal British Legion organises the annual Poppy Appeal; remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and raising money to help those in need today.