Friday, November 11, is Armistice Day, also known as Remembrance Day. The day is marked annually by Commonwealth nations, as well as many other countries as a day of memorial.
The day is the anniversary of the signing of the agreement that marked the end of the First World War in 1918.
The first official celebrations of the date were held by King George V at Buckingham Palace in 1919. He hosted Raymond Poincaré, who was president of France at the time.
Remembrance Day has been marked by wearing the commemorative poppy for centuries as well as by holding a traditional two-minute silence on the day.
Here's what you need to know about the two-minute silence, including when it will be held and its significance.
What time is the two-minute silence?
The traditional two-minute silence for Remembrance Day is always held precisely at 11am. This is done in recognition of the exact time that the hostilities ceased in 1918 – the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
So the silence will take place at 11am on Friday, November 11. Another two-minute silence also takes place at the same time (11am) on Sunday, November 13: Remembrance Sunday, which always falls on the nearest weekend to Armistice Day.
The Royal British Legion said: "This year we’re asking the nation to pause, breathe and reflect on the service and sacrifices the Armed Forces make on our behalf."
What is the significance of the two-minute silence?
The two-minute silence is held to remember those in the UK and Commonwealth who have served in the armed forces since 1914, as well as their families.
The Royal British Legion describes it as "a national opportunity" to remember the sacrifice of those who "defended our freedoms and protected our way of life".
The traditional event celebrates the vital role they played in our history, both serving and sacrificing themselves for the country.
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