Over 16 million DEAD… Over 37 million CASUALTIES… Beginning after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on 28th June 1914, lest we forget those who died at war.

This Sunday, 11th November 2018, marks the centenary of the end of World War 1- a war that lasted 4 years and affected not just our nation but many people around the world. The war was fought between the Central Powers, which included countries like Germany and Austria-Hungary, and the Allied Powers, which included France, the USA and of course Great Britain.

One battle fought during this war was the Battle of the Somme. The first day alone has even become known as the ‘bloodiest day in British military history’- seeing 19,240 British men killed. Lasting from 1st July 1916- 18th November 1916, the British army suffered over 400,000 casualties, the French lost 200,000 men and the Germans nearly 500,000.

This event is hugely significant in British history and has affected the lives of many people in our country. Whilst there are no World War 1 survivors left to tell their story, it is important that we still continue to remember their sacrifices today.

To mark its importance, the Tower of London will be commemorating the war by showcasing some stunning Armistice memorial flames. 10,000 flames will be lit in the empty moat surrounding the tower in representation of all those killed, bereaved and affected by the war. Members of the public can in fact see this beautiful memorial from 5pm each day, leading up to this Sunday.

Another memorial site is the Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium, which bears the names of over 50,000 soldiers who died before August 1917. I was lucky enough to visit the Menin Gate last year to watch the Last Post ceremony. It was truly moving to see how every night a country can come together to commemorate those who made a tremendous sacrifice for their country. This Remembrance Day, during the minute’s silence in the Armistice Ceremony, poppy petals carried to the gate by the Poppy Parade will be released from the roof of the memorial to remember those we lost at war.

Show your appreciation for the war by wearing a poppy this Remembrance Day, or even donate to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal so we can help them to support the Armed Forces community.

LEST WE FORGET…