ONE hundred and four years after the First World War ended and 103 years after the first Remembrance Day in 1919, today (Friday) once again sees people stop what they are doing to remember the war dead.

Originally begun by King George V to mark Armistice Day when the guns fell silent in 1918 at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the moment of silence is now a mark of respect for all fallen soldiers across all wars as well as those who are affected by conflict today.

A two-minute silence will be held today (Friday) at 11am at the Town Hall in Upper Street, with preparations for the silence beginning at 10.55am in the forecourt on the street.

Islington’s mayor Councillor Marian Spall said: “Remembrance Sunday, which marks the end of the First World War, is a time for us all to pause, reflect and remember all the people who have kept us safe through their service and sacrifice. We will never forget them.

“I would like to invite all Islington residents to join us at one of our memorial events. I will be proud to lay a wreath at the service to show my respects.”

Islington events include:

Today (Friday):

• Wreath laying service and two minute’s silence at 10.55am in the Islington Town Hall forecourt in Upper Street
Sunday

• Service units and veterans will gather at 9.30am on Highbury Fields, before marching down Upper Street with the mayor of Islington, councillors, emergency services and religious leaders. The parade will continue to Islington Green, where an inter-faith service will begin at 10.40am.

• Islington Green War Memorial: two-minute silence and wreath laying at 11am.

• Spa Green Garden, near the corner of Rosebery Avenue and Gloucester Way, Remembrance Sunday service beginning at 12pm.

• Royal Northern Gardens, Manor Gardens (off Holloway Road), Remembrance Sunday Community Event at 1.30pm.