Remember the fallen: Queen leads UK ceremony as WWI centenary nears

Queen Elizabeth II honoured fallen soldiers from Britain and the Commonwealth by placing a poppy-laden wreath at the Cenotaph national war memorial in London as large crowds gathered in the streets to watch. The yearly ceremony remains a focal point as Britain and the Commonwealth come together through marching soldiers, mournful music and quiet thoughts. British Prime Minister David Cameron called this year’s ceremony particularly poignant because 2014 marks the 100-year anniversary of the start of World War I. The pageantry has its history and dates back to the days of the British Empire. The Queen, wearing black, stood motionless for half an hour, and was followed by her husband, Prince Phillip, and son and grandson Prince Charles and Prince William, who all have military experience. The ceremony took place amid increased security concerns because of recent terrorism-related arrests and a nationwide terror threat assessed to be “severe”.

Today we stand united to remember the courageous men and women who have served our country, defended our freedoms and kept us safe.

British prime minister David Cameron

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