Millions mark Armistice Day in Europe

The French president has led his country in Armistice Day commemorations in Paris. A wreath laying ceremony has taken place at the Arc de Triomphe under rainy skies. The Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin and other senior members of the government were there to mark this 88th anniversary of the end of World War One.

Also present was one of the four surviving French World War One veterans involved in combat. Millions of people across Britain observed a two minute silence to remember their war dead. A service was held in the capital’s Trafalgar Square, where poppies were placed in fountains.

Queen Elizabeth and New Zealand’s Prime Minister also attended a service to dedicate 16 bronze memorial sculptures in London’s Hyde Park. They honour New Zealand’s war dead and commemorate the links between the two countries. On Sunday further services are held across the country, and the Queen is due to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph.

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