Charity honouring fallen World War heroes calls on people to mark Remembrance Day on social media with worldwide thunderclap event
A CHARITY honouring fallen First and Second World War troops is calling on people to use digital technology to remember our hero soldiers on Remembrance Day.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is inviting people to take part in the #HoldHighTheTorch thunderclap event on social media.
It works by downloading the Hold High The Torch app to add a torch sticker to selfies and group shots which can be shared on social media using the hashtag on November 11.
Organisers hope the event will create a 'wave of light from Sydney to London' and help younger people engage with Remembrance Day.
Liz Woodfield, CWGC’s Director of Information and Communications, said: "For 100 years, the flame of remembrance has been a defining image for the CWGC.
"It forms part of the Commission’s official seal and symbolises our commitment to remembering those who died in the two world wars, today, tomorrow and forever.
"Hold High The Torch is designed to build on that legacy, and we want you to take part."
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission helps record and maintain the graves and memorials of servicemen who died in World War One and World War Two.
It currently looks after commemorations for 1.7 million deceased Commonwealth military service members across more than 150 countries.
Remembrance Day marks the end of hostilities of World War One on November 11, 1918.
Hostilities formally ended "at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month", in accordance with an armistice signed by the countries involved.
The armistice forced the Germans to evacuate invaded countries and territories within two weeks.
This year the 11th day in November falls on a Saturday.
A two-minute silence is often acknowledged at schools, offices and churches up and down the country.
Remembrance Sunday however, is held on the second Sunday in November and this year will take place on Sunday, November 12.
A National Service of Remembrance is held at The Cenotaph in Whitehall in London.
Members of the Royal Family and the Government attend the service alongside representatives from the Armed Forces and the public.
Another two-minute silence is held at 11am before a number of wreaths are laid down.
The Royal Marines buglers usually sound The Last Post.
A number of veterans also take part in a march past The Cenotaph.
For more information on the #HoldHighTheTorch thunderclap event visit the Commonwealth War Graves Commission or to sign up visit .
