Armistice Day: People fall silent in memory of war dead

A two-minute silence was observed across the UK at 11am, marking the time and date when the World War One Armistice came into effect.

Young and old gathered at the Bradford cenotaph for a short service to remember, reflect and pray.

A two-minute silence was observed at 11am (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds) It was attended by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Bev Mullaney.

Speaking before the ceremony, Cllr Mullaney said: "The annual services of Remembrance in our district are always moving events.

The Armistice, an agreement to end the fighting of World War One as a prelude to peace negotiations, began at 11am on November, 11, 1918 (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds) "It is important that we continue to remember all those who have lost their lives, all those who have been wounded, and all those who have suffered or are still suffering in any way due to past and present conflicts around the world."

Wreaths were also laid at the Commonwealth war memorial, which was officially unveiled in Bradford city centre last week.

The Commonwealth war memorial in Bradford city centre (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds) Located beside Bradford cenotaph, it is the only Commonwealth war memorial in the UK outside London.

The monument honours the contributions and sacrifices of personnel from Commonwealth nations who fought in both World War One and World War Two.

The Armistice ceremonies followed events on Remembrance Sunday (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds)The design of the Commonwealth war memorial was led by landscape architect Saira Ali.

She said: "Creating this memorial was an honour.

"We aimed to design a space that not only reflects the deep respect we hold for the Commonwealth troops but also serves as a place of peace and remembrance for all.

Young and old gathered in memory of the fallen (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds)"It reinforces our commitment to remembering and uniting communities around shared sacrifices."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer marked Armistice Day in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron.

The Prime Minister became the first British premier to attend the armistice ceremony in Paris since Winston Churchill during World War Two.

We will remember them (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds) It came as Sir Keir announced more than £10 million to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day.

The Prime Minister pledged a "moment of national reflection" in 2025, with events on May 8 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the allied victory in Europe, and also on August 15 to mark the end of the Second World War.

Over the weekend, Remembrance Sunday events were held across the Bradford district and the rest of the country. 

At the cenotaph, King Charles led the nation in two minutes of silence in remembrance of men and women who lost their lives serving in the two world wars and other conflicts.