Observed every year since 1919, Remembrance or Armistice Day is marked on the anniversary of the end of World War I on November 11. Remembrance Sunday falls on the second Sunday of November, which meant this year it was observed on November 12.
Services took place across the country to commemorate the contribution of the Armed Forces and their families from Britain and the Commonwealth.
At the Cenotaph in Whitehall, His Majesty King Charles laid a wreath on behalf of the UK, followed by other members of the Royal Family and the government. Members of the armed forces and leaders of different faiths also laid wreaths.
The Greek Orthodox Church was represented by His Eminence, Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira & Great Britain. As a Member of the Commonwealth, Cyprus was represented by Cyprus High Commissioner Andreas S. Kakouris, who laid a wreath on behalf of Cyprus.
Representatives of the Executive Committee of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK laid wreaths across Barnet, Enfield, Haringey and Islington, as part of the official services for Remembrance Sunday, on behalf of the UK Cypriot community.
Barnet
The Worshipful Mayor of Barnet, Cllr Nagus Narenthira, attending commemorations at the Hendon War Memorial, laid a wreath on behalf of the Mayoralty, Councillors and burgesses. The Leader of Barnet Council and the Leader of the Opposition joined Armed Forces, veterans, cadets, representatives of the emergency services and the Salvation Army Band at the service.
The Worshipful Deputy Mayor of Barnet Cllr Tony Vourou with local Councillors and Nepal soldiers laid a wreath at Edgware Town Centre.
Councillors Andreas Ioannides and Guilia Innocenti were at St Michael Greek Orthodox Church in Golders Green.
There was a two minute silence at 11am before priests and other religious leaders, read out a number of prayers.
The President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, Christos Karaolis, laid a wreath to honour all of those who gave their lives for our freedom in World War I and subsequent wars, including the 30,000 Cypriots who fought in the Cyprus Regiment in World War II and the Muleteers in World War I.
Well-known photographer and cameraman, Doros Partasides, laid a wreath for the Cyprus
Regiment in which his father-in-law Costas Sophocleous and his brother Louis Sophocleous both served.
Enfield Southgate
Three parades and wreath laying events, led by The Worshipful Mayor of Enfield, Cllr Suna Hurman, took place in Enfield Town, Edmonton Green and in Southgate, to remember those who gave their lives in conflict.
Enfield-Southgate Member of Parliament Bambos Charalambous and Southgate ward Councillors Stephanos Ioannou and Chris Joannides, attended the Southgate procession and service of remembrance at St. Andrew’s Church in the High Road.
Councillor Chris Joannides said afterwards, “This morning I was humbled to be present at the Remembrance Sunday ceremony in St. Andrew’s Church, to pay respect to the fallen and lay a wreath in their memories. We will remember them and may their memories be a blessing.”
Treasurer of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, Bambos Charalambous, laid a wreath at the Edmonton Green War Memorial.
Haringey
In a highly emotional and touching, all-faith ceremony, the Last Post preceded the two minutes’ silence before the various dignitaries in attendance laid wreaths at the base of the Wood Green war memorial. They included the Mayor of Haringey, Cllr Lester Buxton, Leader of Haringey Council, Cllr Peray Ahmet, Catherine West MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, and officers representing the Air Force, Army, Navy, Police and Fire Services.
Wreaths were also laid on behalf of the Cypriot Community Centre by the Chair, Susie Constantinides MBE and senior member of staff Belgin Kilic, on behalf of the Cypriot Women’s League by the Chair, Evoulla Nicolaou and on behalf of St. Barnabas Church and the Greek Orthodox community by Andreas Constantinides.
Scouts and Guides, including those from St. Barnabas, paraded flags at the Haringey Cenotaph.
Cypriots of all ethnic backgrounds volunteered and fought in World War I. Cypriots who came to the UK before World War II were called up, represented Britain and fought with the Allies, whilst 30,000 volunteered in Cyprus and fought as the Cyprus Regiment.
The Service on Sunday ended with the memorable words representing those who sacrificed their lives for peace:-
“When you go home, think of us and say
for your tomorrow, we gave our today.”
Islington
Remembrance Sunday was marked in Islington with a parade and a Service of Remembrance which included a wreath-laying ceremony.
Led by the Worshipful Mayor of Islington, Cllr Marian Spall, service units and veterans gathered on Highbury Fields, before marching down Upper Street. The parade continued to Islington Green, where an inter-faith service took place.
The service featured a two-minute silence, prayers were led by faith leaders and attendees laid wreaths at Islington Green War Memorial. They included NEPOMAK President and Executive Member Christos Tuton.
Remembrance Day in Faversham
Tassos Poyiatzis, a member of the Board of British Cypriots, attended the service of Remembrance in Faversham on Sunday, where he lay a wreath for his relatives, from the occupied village of Karavas, who fought in World War II.
After the service, Minister of State for Social Care Helen Whately MP, congratulated Mr Poyiatzis for the charity event he organised for the veterans.
