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A photograph of Remembrance poppies on wooden crosses

Remembrance Sunday 2017

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com | Above: A photograph of Remembrance poppies on wooden crosses

Held on the second Sunday of November, Remembrance Sunday is a time to commemorate those who served and contributed to the two world wars and later conflicts. People across the country and the Commonwealth will put on their poppies and remember the tragedy of recent conflicts.

Ceremonies will take place up-and-down the country including the National Service of Remembrance taking place at The Cenotaph in Whitehall, London. As always, there will be a two-minute silence to acknowledge the fallen soldiers of WW1, WW2 and those who have died in combat since 1945.

To mark the day, HISTORY spoke to several people who have been affected by war. One of those is Charles Waugh, who served in the British Navy during WW2. HISTORY met Charles at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas. “When I come to this place it makes me think how important it is to remember,” says the emotional former serviceman. Understandably, this place means a great deal to him, he will never forget, nor be forgotten.

HISTORY also met Les Wainwright, who served nine years in the Royal Airforce. He says, “My hopes on the future of remembrance is that it keeps on growing that nobody forgets. Just because it doesn't happen to them it might get pushed aside, I think everybody, just for one day, can show some support for our forces."

For more videos that commemorate Remembrance Day head over to our Twitter page here.