Armistice Day marked in United Kingdom
Baku, November 12 (AZERTAC). The event commemorates those who died in the two world wars and subsequent conflicts, including 385 UK personnel killed in Afghanistan since 2001.
After the remembrance service in Whitehall, 179 people - believed to be English Defense League supporters - were arrested near the Cenotaph.
Those held to "prevent a breach of the peace" - totaling 176 - were released.
They face no further action while the other three, arrested on suspicion of affray, were bailed pending further enquiries, police said. There had been no reports of disorder ahead of the arrests.
Trouble flared on Armistice Day last year when the English Defense League clashed with members of Muslims Against Crusades (MAC) who had burned poppies outside the Royal Albert Hall. A demonstration organized by MAC for this year`s event was cancelled after the group was banned by the home secretary.
The ceremony at the Cenotaph was attended by the Chief of the Defense Staff, Gen Sir David Richards, and the professional head of the Army, Gen Sir Peter Wall, along with servicemen and women.
Prime Minister David Cameron paid tribute to British armed forces, saying they were among the best in the world.
He said: "If you ask yourself what are the things that are still absolutely great, first-class, best in the world, about this country, you would put our armed forces - our Army, the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force - right up there.
"All across the world, people look at Britain and have huge respect for our armed forces so I think we can take immense pride in what they do."
The Royal British Legion - which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year - held a "Silence in the Square" event in Trafalgar Square, featuring musical performances and readings before the two-minute silence.
Adrian Kies, 85, who served in the navy from 1944 to 1949, traveled from the Netherlands for the event.
He said: "It`s very important for me to come and thank the British people who fought for us. I want to thank the British people for liberating the Netherlands."
In Staffordshire, a service of remembrance was held within the walls of the Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum.
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