The people of Barnet came together in unity to lay wreaths at the Hendon War Memorial to pay respects to those who died in the two world wars and other conflicts.

The Salvation Army Band led a parade to the memorial from Hendon town hall.

Barnet Mayor Cllr Tony Vourou, who described the event as “a chance to pay tribute”, laid the official wreath on behalf of Barnet Council.

“We remember all the people who have sacrificed their lives for our peace and freedom in conflicts across the world,” he said.

“Remembrance is a chance for us to stand in silence and pay tribute to them.

“We must never forget what they sacrificed for us. Lest we forget.”

He was joined by the leader of the council and the opposition leader who also laid wreaths, along with representatives of the Armed Forces, war veterans, cadets, emergency service officers and faith leaders.

Families turned out to watch the ceremony with their children — the next generation that will soon take up the reins.

Remembrance services were also held in Barnet’s Jewish community at Jewish Care centres in Golders Green, Stanmore and Friern Barnet.

Jewish war veterans laying wreaths included two aged 99 and one who is 101.

They had served in the Armed Forces during the Second World War in the Liberation of continental Europe right into Germany itself, as well as serving in North Africa, the Middle East, the Aegean and the Far East.   

Wreaths were sent by Barnet Council to Barnet’s twin towns of Chaville and Le Raincy in France for their Remembrance services on Armistice Day itself on Monday.