City to Mark Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday
Oxford will come together on Tuesday, 11 November, to observe Armistice Day, commemorating the moment in 1918 when the First World War guns fell silent after four years of conflict.
Ceremony Details
The Lord Mayor, Councillor Louise Upton, will lead a ceremony and short service starting at 10:55 a.m. on the landing area at the top of the stairs in Oxford Town Hall. The City Rector, Reverend Anthony Buckley, will offer a brief prayer, followed by a two-minute silence at 11 a.m.
Armistice Day marks the signing of the Armistice between the Allies and Germany at 5 a.m. on 11 November 1918 in a railway carriage in the Forest of Compiègne, France, ending the fighting six hours later.
Since 1919, the nation has paused at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month to remember those who sacrificed their lives, a tradition introduced by King George V and inspired by Australian journalist and veteran Edward George Honey.
Remembrance Sunday Events
Oxford will also hold Remembrance Sunday on 9 November, featuring a parade and service at the War Memorial on St Giles. The parade will form in Magdalen Street East and West, marching from 10 a.m. under the direction of WO1 James Massey from the Mercian Regiment.
"The silence was introduced by King George V, inspired by Australian journalist and veteran Edward George Honey, who first proposed a period of national reflection."
The event honours both Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday, bringing the community together to reflect on the sacrifices made during war.
Author's summary: Oxford's Armistice and Remembrance ceremonies honor the 1918 WWI ceasefire with a two-minute silence and parade, reflecting the city's respect for those who served.