IT remains the most moving tribute. Gathered at stone memorials in town and city, civic leaders, war veterans, widows and residents fell silent to remember the fallen.

This is the one moment in a busy year when Britain forgets about its comparatively petty modern problems and recalls a time when our way of life was at very real risk.

Our thoughts also turn to those soldiers on the front line in Iraq and in other global trouble-spots who face grave danger with each new day.

As the generation which defeated Nazism dwindles, so the importance of this national rite increases. We must go on remembering them.

Updated: 10:37 Monday, November 14, 2005