Remembering when the Great War fell silent

On the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour remembrance is given to the moment World War I fell silent.

Saturday marked the 99th anniversary of Armistice Day - just short of a century since that time in 1918 when peace was declared between the Allied powers and Germany to end the Great War.

In Whanganui a trumpet blew as the Cooks Gardens clock struck the 11th hour, with veteran soldiers, RSA members, Navy personnel and police standing silent for two minutes.

Veteran soldiers and RSA members stand silent with wreaths in hand. Photo/ Stuart Munro

Around 30 people turned up to the annual service at the Cenotaph in Queens Park to pay their respects and remember.

As wreaths were laid one by one, Wanganui RSA president Graeme Paul recited Laurence Binyon's poem

For the Fallen

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Wanganui RSA president Graeme Paul recites Laurence Binyon's poem For the Fallen. Photo/ Stuart Munro

"At the going down of the sun, we will remember them."

The 1914-18 war claimed about 20 million lives, at least 9 million of them service people. As a nation, New Zealand paid a huge sacrifice. At Gallipoli alone 2071 New Zealanders died.

Armistice day remembered in Whanganui. Photo/ file