OFFICERS and staff at International Headquarters (IHQ) in central London usually gather together on Armistice Day to pause in silence for two minutes at 11am on the eleventh day of the eleventh month to remember service personnel who lost their lives in the two world wars and in conflicts since. This year, for the first time, the gathering took place outside the front door of IHQ to encourage passersby to join in a time of prayer of remembrance and for peace.
Major Peter Mylechreest (IHQ Chaplain) explained to members of the public and IHQ staff – including the General, the Chief of the Staff and the World President of Women's Ministries – the purpose of gathering in remembrance. A small brass group accompanied the singing of 'Peace in Our Time, O Lord' and – either side of the two-minutes silence – IHQ staff members gave a reading and a prayer that brought into focus the significance of the act.
A number of members of the public joined the short service, with some staying afterwards to share in conversation with IHQ staff and officers.
Armistice Day is recognised across the UK and in several other Commonwealth and European countries. In the USA, 11 November is Veterans Day, which gives recognition to all military veterans. The time and date mark the anniversary of the official end of hostilities on the Western Front at the end of the First World War in 1918.
Report by IHQ Communications
International Headquarters
