Memorial for last WW1 veteran announced
The death of the last known first world war veteran will be marked by a national memorial service, it has been announced.
A service will be held at Westminster Abbey shortly after the passing of the last surviving veteran, reflecting the laying to rest of the Unknown Warrior in 1920.
Defence secretary Des Browne made the announcement as soldiers, aircrews and sailors gathered in London for the first ever Veterans Day.
“Millions of men and women from across the British Empire made great sacrifices serving their country in world war one. Millions more endured the loss of their loved ones,” he said.
“A national memorial service will allow the whole nation to honour the valour and spirit shown by the veterans of world war one, and will commemorate an entire generation.”
The memorial service would reflect the events of November 11th 1920 when the body of an unknown British soldier was taken through the streets of London on a horse drawn gun carriage to Westminster Abbey.
The procession was undertaken to mark the unveiling of the Cenotaph, which commemorates the dead of world war one.
“The first world war generation endured great hardships both on the front line and on the home front,” said veterans minister Tom Watson.
“Without their sacrifice the world would be a very different place today and we might not have the freedoms that we take for granted today.”
Plans for Veterans Day were announced earlier this year by chancellor Gordon Brown, to ensure their contribution was “never forgotten”.
June 27th was chosen as the date for the annual event because it is one day after the anniversary of the award of the first 62 Victoria Crosses in June 1857.
