ARMISTICE Day was commemorated with a two-minute silence in Winchester followed by a Service of Remembrance.

The 11am service outside the Guildhall was attended by the Mayor, councillors, military leaders, soldiers from Winchester Army Training Regiment, the Royal British Legion and a contingent of students from Winchester College CCF.

The event followed those held on Remembrance Sunday, which saw hundreds gather at Winchester Cathedral to commemorate all those who lost their lives in war.

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Padre Graham Topping (Image: Charles Elliman) Rev Graham Topping, Royal British Legion, led the proceedings with a speech before and after the silence. 

He said: "We're remembering all those people who lost their lives, or gave their lives, or in some way suffered in, not only two world wars, but in subsequent conflicts throughout the world.

"People who gave their lives, people who suffered for the freedom, to attain the freedom we have today.

"It's important that we remember that because what we enjoy today is because of what happened yesterday. The freedom that we have is because these guys sacrificed their lives."

Lieutenant Colonel Jim Phipps, commanding officer of Winchester ATR, based at Sir John Moore Barracks, said: "I think it's very important for us as ATR Winchester, as part of the community, to be involved in the events in the city.

"It's an important day, it's a moving occasion and really one for us to share between the military and the wider community in the city of Winchester."

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Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith with padre Graham Topping and soldiers from Winchester ATR (Image: Charles Elliman) Mayor of Winchester Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith said: "The Armistice Day is a really historic occasion and it was over a hundred years ago that the guns fell silent on the Western Front.

"I think we have to bear this in mind. With present events around the world, I think we're very aware of the dangers of war and the horrors that it brings and, although we need to remember past sacrifices, I think we have to think about future possible costs."

Winchester Council leader Cllr Martin Tod also attended the event. He said: "Winchester obviously has a long and proud military history but it is important to remember that, ultimately, that's about the people of Winchester, the families of Winchester who have had family members go away and serve and, in some cases, not come home or coming home having suffered greatly.

"I think it's important that, as a city, we take that moment to recognise that."

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Observing the service from across the road, retired corporal Victor Perry, 1st Battalion Royal Green Jackets said: "It means a lot."

Victor served in the British Army for 12 years, deployed as close to home as Northern Ireland and as far away as Hong Kong.

The former Green Jacket called himself "one of the lucky ones" for his chance to travel the world during his many years of service.

He said: "Every year I do one of the days, depending on what's happening with life and where it's happening. Obviously, 11/11 is the most significant day even though you have a Remembrance Sunday."