Armistice

The Armistice, an agreement to end the fighting of the First World War as a prelude to peace negotiations, began at 11am on 11 November 1918. Armistice is Latin for to stand (still) arms. In the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries, Armistice Day is observed with a two minute silence on the eleventh hour. Why? 1 minute was a time of thanksgiving for those who had returned alive, the second minute was to remember the fallen.

It represents all those who lost their lives on active service, from the beginning of the First World War right up to present day. It also honours the contribution of civilian services and the uniformed services which contribute to national peace and security and acknowledges innocent civilians who have lost their lives in conflict and acts of terrorism.