Why we should all commemorate Armistice Day this Sunday, by the organisations which do most for veterans and the families of those who fell in battle.

Mark Bibbey, Poppyscotland chief executive, said: “At 11am this morning, the nation will stand in silent reflection as we mark Remembrance Sunday. Of course, today has added significance as it is exactly 100 years since the signing of the Armistice that brought the First World War to an end.

“It was a conflict which saw almost one million British and Commonwealth soldiers lose their lives; many more seriously damaged by physical or mental trauma and which changed our society and how we live our lives in so many ways.

“As we pass such a significant milestone some have questioned the continued relevance of the annual act of Remembrance. However, I believe that Remembrance remains relevant today and into the future for two important reasons.

“Firstly, because if we do not continue to acknowledge the lessons of the past then we risk repeating them in the future; and, secondly, because the men and women of our Armed Forces continue to selflessly put themselves in harm’s way in order to defend our freedoms which so many have paid the ultimate price to preserve.

“We at Poppyscotland believe that no-one should be disadvantaged by their time in the service and that is why our work in providing those in our Armed Forces community with life-changing support remains so vitally important today.

“It is for these reasons that I think that Armistice Day, Remembrance Sunday and the Scottish Poppy Appeal must and will retain the upmost relevance well beyond this year’s centenary.”

Victoria Wallace, director general of Commonwealth War Graves Commission, said: “We are proud to be the guardians of the final resting places of the Commonwealth men and women who died in the two world wars, as well as commemorating the thousands with no known grave.

“We hope everyone will take a moment at this special centenary to find their local CWGC site, and make a small pilgrimage to honour the men and women who gave their all. With war graves or memorials in almost every town and village in the UK and more than 150 countries and territories, we hope to see more people than ever on Remembrance Sunday.”

Erskine chief executive Wing Commander Ian Cumming MBE said: “Armistice Day is a significant and poignant event for everyone at Erskine, but for our veterans in particular. We remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, during a century of conflicts from the First World War to the present day.

“We support our veteran residents who served during the Second World War, as they each reflect individually on what they saw and the friends they lost. And, of course, Erskine staff and beneficiaries who saw fighting and peacekeeping in more recent conflicts also come together to support each other. We reflect on what we have learned about the devastating physical and psychological effects of war on individuals and families. Most importantly at this time of year, Erskine remembers those who gave their lives, so that we might live in freedom. We pledge to honour their memory by caring for those heroes who did come home.”

Justine Baynes, director at SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, said: “SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, was the only national, tri-service charity around during World War One. At the outbreak of the war, SSAFA was called upon by the Government to look after the families left behind.

“To mark the centenary of the Armistice, SSAFA is encouraging families to keep our nation’s history alive, by sharing their stories of World War One, so they will never be forgotten.

“The further we move away from the conflict, the more important it becomes to keep the stories of bravery and courage alive, and commemorate those who gave up their lives for our country.

“This Sunday, take a moment to remember those who lost their lives during the First World War and in each conflict ever since.”

Sue Freeth, chief executive of Combat Stress, the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health, said: “I will be laying a wreath at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday. I’m sure it will be a very moving experience. I will be extremely proud to march alongside veterans and colleagues from Combat Stress. It’s important to remember not only those servicemen and women we have lost but also those who return from conflicts needing support, care and treatment.”