Remembrance Day beacons: Amazing photos show Armistice torches alight across Britain and around the world to mark the centenary

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Jacob Jarvis12 November 2018

These amazing photos show blazing beacons set alight to mark Armistice Day on its 100th anniversary.

Magnificent torches were set alight the world over to commemorate the signing of the historic document and in remembrance of those who have lost their lives at war.

Ceremonies were held as the flames were set, with veterans doing the honours in some locations.

Large crowds turned out to stand in quiet contemplation as the fires were sparked besides landmarks and memorials.

Armistice Day 2018

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Hundreds were lit across Britain alone to mark the date while further flames were lit elsewhere around the world including Durban in South Africa.

These beacon services marked the end of a full day of events for Armistice Day, with 10,000 marching past the Cenotaph in London following the national service of remembrance at the landmark.

People the world over fell silent at 11am to mark the exact moment the document, which effectively ended World War One, was signed.

Marches were conducted, bells rang out while military and classical musicians performed the world over.

The Royal Family gathered at both the Cenotaph and later in the day at Westminster Abbey.

Speaking at the latter, the Dean of Westminster, Dr John Hall, prayed for a time when conflict was "transformed into friendship and collaboration".

Remembrance service at the Cenotaph memorial

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He said: "As we mark today the centenary of the Armistice that brought to an end the First World War, we remember with sorrow the sacrifice of lives on all sides of the conflict and the suffering of the devastated and bereaved.

"We reflect on how people were led into the war and how the war came to an end and on the uneasy peace that followed with its continuing suffering and the disruption of families and ways of life.

"Above all, in our remembrance and reflection, we hope for a time when aggression between peoples and nations is transformed into friendship and collaboration, when all may live side by side in mutual encouragement and harmony and the weapons of war are transformed into the instruments of peace."

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