People across Essex mark Remembrance Sunday
The nation comes together to remember the sacrifice and services of the armed forces
People across Essex are taking part in services and events to commemorate Remembrance Sunday.
It comes as the Royal British Legion marks 100 years since its formation.
For the last century, the annual Poppy Appeal has raised money for serving and ex-serving personnel.
The country falls silent every year on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month to remember those who sacrificed their lives for their country, during both the First and Second World Wars and other conflicts.
We spoke to Alex Owen, Head of Armed Forces Engagement at the Royal British Legion. He said: "The red poppy is a symbol of hope. It's a symbol that reminds us that actually, we never, ever want to be in a position where our young men and women are dying in numbers like they did in the First and Second World Wars."
"That's where it came from and wearing that on your lapel brings people together. It unites communities, no matter which walks of life you have come from. Wearing that poppy is a real unifying factor across villages, towns and cities in the UK today and overseas" he adds.
Remembrance events were scaled back due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This year, however, people will see collectors back on the streets raising money and large crowds at events.
Mr Owen says, "This is the first year out of the lockdown we had last year, where we had to pull our 40,000 collectors off the streets. We had to cancel all of the wreath laying and memorials."
"This year we will see veterans, the public and the community come together in a way that we haven't seen for months. We have 9000 veterans marching at Whitehall on Sunday, last year there was only 25, so that shows the difference in scale."
They will be paying their respects and it's a really wonderful moment because it's just about remembering, it's also about comradeship and coming together again. It's about checking on your buddies and making sure that everyone's ok. It's that sort of buddy system that we are used to from when we were serving" he adds.
For more information visit the Royal British Legion