For a couple of minutes throughout the UK it happened to be a different Sunday. The bustling activity you otherwise get is conspicuous by its absence; nor could you listen to the cracking noise of people speaking loudly in groups on a weekend holiday. Only the gentle hush sound made by the leaves is evident, and that too from a distant background.

As usual, the annual Remembrance Sunday was observed with the kind of respect the defense personnel, who laid down their lives in different conflicts since the commencement of World War I, deserved. Glowing tributes were paid to the service personnel by more than 10,000 people, comprising of both military veterans as well as civilians from different walks of life. Led by the Queen who laid the first wreath in London, leaders paid respects to the departed souls by observing a two-minute silence elsewhere across the nation.

Royal Family and Dignitaries

Soon after the Queen honored the members of the Armed Forces at 11:00 GMT, the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery fired a round each in the air marking the beginning and end of the two-minute silence. Then, it was the turn of Prince Philip to pay his respects. The Prince was followed by the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry, who were joined by a mammoth crowd at the Cenotaph. Prominent among others who honored the late military personnel include the Monarch, who paid her respects by bowing after placing a wreath at the monument.

Once the royal family completed the ceremony, Prime Minister David Cameron laid a wreath in memory of the dead service personnel. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Labor Minister Ed Miliband also joined in the ceremony after placing wreaths at the venue.

The long list of dignitaries who were presence on the occasion as part of the ceremony include former prime ministers Sir John Major, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. Besides, military service chiefs and representatives from Commonwealth nations, also participated in the Remembrance Sunday event. Those who were gathered at the venue, including “Churchill’s Secret Army” that comprised of representatives of a World War II unit, then undertook a march in memory of all those who had laid down their lives fighting rival forces.

Honored Around the Country

Elsewhere in the country, the day was marked by observing silence and paying floral tributes, led by different leaders. Birmingham, Bristol and York were among the prominent places that witnessed participation of a large number of spectators. In Wales, the ceremony was held at Cardiff’s Welsh National War Memorial, while St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh was chosen for conducting the event in Scotland. In Ireland, the event was observed in Enniskillen, with Taoi Seach Enda Kenny offering a wreath at the memorial. Those present on the occasion in Belfast included Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson, Ireland’s Deputy leader Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore and Northern Ireland Secretary Therese Villiers. In India, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall observed the day at a church in Mumbai.