Initially the Cenotaph was erected as a temporary structure of wood and plaster as part of the celebrations for the end of World War 1 in 1919. Shortly afterwards the government approached Edwin Lutyens to design a permanent memorial to the service-people of the war and the current monument made from Portland stone is the result.
It was unveiled on 11th November 1920 the second anniversary of the armistice.
The unveiling of the Cenotaph 1920
Photo by Marion Doss (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ooocha/)
Following World War 2 the monument was modified and was unveiled for a second time on 10th November 1946.The flags on its sides represent the Army, Air Force, Royal Navy and the Merchant Navy along with the Union Jack.
The Cenotaph is the location for the annual remembrance day parade on the Sunday closest to 11th November.
The annual remembrance day parade
Photo by UK Ministry of Defence (https://www.flickr.com/photos/defenceimages/)
The annual remembrance day parade
Photo by UK Ministry of Defence (https://www.flickr.com/photos/defenceimages/)
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