The nation is preparing to fall silent this morning to mark Armistice Day and remember those killed in Britain's wars.
Veterans and their families will join military top brass at The Cenotaph in Whitehall to pay their respects to those killed in conflicts since the beginning of the First World War.
But a survey by the Royal British Legion found that 38% of Britons would not be marking the silence at 11am on Wednesday.
Legion chaplain the Rt Rev Nigel McCulloch said: "Modern life is lived at an incredibly fast pace but it is hugely important that people find the time to remember and respect those that have sacrificed - and continue to make sacrifice - in the service of our country."
Schools, offices and churches up and down the country will take part in the two minutes' silence at 11am, marking the time when Allied Forces declared an end to fighting with Germany 97 years ago.
The Gurkhas will be among regiments lining the street for the Whitehall ceremony, where singer Cerys Matthews will read an extract from The Times from October 1915 about the deaths of 41 only-sons in battle.
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The Queen will spend the two minutes' silence privately at Buckingham Palace where she will remember the war dead with her family.
And later today, 19 British veterans will be presented with the Legion d'honneur, France's highest distinction, for their role in liberating France during the Second World War.
The medals will be presented by the French Ambassador Sylvie Bermann at a ceremony at her residence in Kensington, London.
Ms Bermann said: "I feel privileged and incredibly moved to award these veterans with France's highest distinction, which is our way of thanking them for their tremendous service to our country in the Second World War.
"Just as today we remember the fallen of the First World War, so we shall never forget the courage of those who fought for France's liberation over 70 years ago. To them, France owes its freedom."
Asim Hafiz, Imam for the Armed Forces Muslim Association and Islamic advisor to the British Armed Forces, said: "The Poppy Appeal celebrates the selfless sacrifice of all our ancestors, who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our nation.
"It does not belong to any group, it belongs to all of us, and should be celebrated by everyone."
Helen Hill, from The Royal British Legion, said: "The Two Minute Silence is a rare moment for the nation to stand together and reflect upon the human cost of conflict. It's vital that people of all ages understand the importance of remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice defending the freedoms we enjoy today.
"Silence in the Square is such a great event because it provides the public with a collective place to come together and participate in the Two Minute Silence in whatever way they feel most comfortable."
Remembrance Sunday 2015 in Pictures
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Jeremy Corbyn, Leader of the Opposition, lays a wreath at the observance of Remembrance Sunday at The Cenotaph, Whitehall, London (credit:Camera Press)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Military veterans attend the annual Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph on Whitehall on November 8, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. People across the UK gather to pay tribute to service personnel who have died in the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) (credit:Carl Court via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Spectators line Whitehall to watch the annual Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph, Whitehall on November 8, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage) (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Queen Elizabeth II attends the annual Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph on Whitehall on November 8, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. People across the UK gather to pay tribute to service personnel who have died in the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) (credit:Carl Court via Getty Images)
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Dignitaries and veterans stand in front of the Cenotaph as they attend the Remembrance Sunday ceremony in Whitehall, London, on November 8, 2015. Services are held annually across Commonwealth countries during Remembrance Day to commemorate servicemen and women who have fallen in the line of duty since World War I. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:GLYN KIRK via Getty Images)
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Veterans walk toward the Cenotaph as they attend the Remembrance Sunday ceremony in Whitehall, London, on November 8, 2015. Services are held annually across Commonwealth countries during Remembrance Day to commemorate servicemen and women who have fallen in the line of duty since World War I. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:GLYN KIRK via Getty Images)
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Britain's Queen Elizabeth II leads the the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph on Whitehall, London, on November 8, 2015. Services are held annually across Commonwealth countries during Remembrance Day to commemorate servicemen and women who have fallen in the line of duty since World War I. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:GLYN KIRK via Getty Images)
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Dignitaries and veterans stand in front of the Cenotaph as they attend the Remembrance Sunday ceremony in Whitehall, London, on November 8, 2015. Services are held annually across Commonwealth countries during Remembrance Day to commemorate servicemen and women who have fallen in the line of duty since World War I. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:GLYN KIRK via Getty Images)
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A member of the Queen's household division walks during the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph on Whitehall, London, on November 8, 2015. Services are held annually across Commonwealth countries during Remembrance Day to commemorate servicemen and women who have fallen in the line of duty since World War I. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:GLYN KIRK via Getty Images)
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A military band plays during the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph on Whitehall, London, on November 8, 2015. Services are held annually across Commonwealth countries during Remembrance Day to commemorate servicemen and women who have fallen in the line of duty since World War I. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:GLYN KIRK via Getty Images)
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Members of the armed forces attend the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph on Whitehall, London, on November 8, 2015. Services are held annually across Commonwealth countries during Remembrance Day to commemorate servicemen and women who have fallen in the line of duty since World War I. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:GLYN KIRK via Getty Images)
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A Chelsea Pensioner (C) and veterans attend the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph on Whitehall, London, on November 8, 2015. Services are held annually across Commonwealth countries during Remembrance Day to commemorate servicemen and women who have fallen in the line of duty since World War I. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:GLYN KIRK via Getty Images)
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Members of the Gurkha regiment attend the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph on Whitehall, London, on November 8, 2015. Services are held annually across Commonwealth countries during Remembrance Day to commemorate servicemen and women who have fallen in the line of duty since World War I. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:GLYN KIRK via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Prime Minister David Cameron lays a wreath during the annual Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph on Whitehall on November 8, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. People across the UK gather to pay tribute to service personnel who have died in the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) (credit:Carl Court via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Spectators line Whitehall to watch the annual Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph, Whitehall on November 8, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage) (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh lays a wreath during the annual Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph, Whitehall on November 8, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage) (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Spectators look on during the annual Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph on Whitehall on November 8, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. People across the UK gather to pay tribute to service personnel who have died in the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) (credit:Carl Court via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Queen Elizabeth II attends the annual Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph on Whitehall on November 8, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. People across the UK gather to pay tribute to service personnel who have died in the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) (credit:Carl Court via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Sailors parade during the annual Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph on Whitehall on November 8, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. People across the UK gather to pay tribute to service personnel who have died in the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) (credit:Carl Court via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: The annual Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph, Whitehall on November 8, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage) (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and Queen Elizabeth II attend the annual Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph on Whitehall at The Cenotaph on November 8, 2015 in London, England. The National Service of Remembrance takes place at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London. The Queen, senior politicians, including the British Prime Minister and former British Prime Ministers, alongside representatives from the armed forces pay tribute to those who have suffered or died at war. (Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images) (credit:Mark Cuthbert via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry attend the annual Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph on Whitehall at The Cenotaph on November 8, 2015 in London, England. The National Service of Remembrance takes place at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London. The Queen, senior politicians, including the British Prime Minister and former British Prime Ministers, alongside representatives from the armed forces pay tribute to those who have suffered or died at war. (Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images) (credit:Mark Cuthbert via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Military veterans attend the annual Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph on Whitehall at The Cenotaph on November 8, 2015 in London, England. The National Service of Remembrance takes place at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London. The Queen, senior politicians, including the British Prime Minister and former British Prime Ministers, alongside representatives from the armed forces pay tribute to those who have suffered or died at war. (Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images) (credit:Mark Cuthbert via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Military veterans attend the annual Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph on Whitehall at The Cenotaph on November 8, 2015 in London, England. The National Service of Remembrance takes place at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London. The Queen, senior politicians, including the British Prime Minister and former British Prime Ministers, alongside representatives from the armed forces pay tribute to those who have suffered or died at war. (Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images) (credit:Mark Cuthbert via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Military veterans attend the annual Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph on Whitehall at The Cenotaph on November 8, 2015 in London, England. The National Service of Remembrance takes place at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London. The Queen, senior politicians, including the British Prime Minister and former British Prime Ministers, alongside representatives from the armed forces pay tribute to those who have suffered or died at war. (Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images) (credit:Mark Cuthbert via Getty Images)
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LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - NOVEMBER 08: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 48 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Prince Harry and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge attend the annual Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph on Whitehall on November 8, 2015 in London, England. The National Service of Remembrance takes place at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London. The Queen, senior politicians, including the British Prime Minister and former British Prime Ministers, alongside representatives from the armed forces pay tribute to those who have suffered or died at war. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images) (credit:Max Mumby/Indigo via Getty Images)
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LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - NOVEMBER 08: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 48 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Prince William, Duke of Cambridge attends the annual Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph on Whitehall on November 8, 2015 in London, England. The National Service of Remembrance takes place at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London. The Queen, senior politicians, including the British Prime Minister and former British Prime Ministers, alongside representatives from the armed forces pay tribute to those who have suffered or died at war. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images) (credit:Max Mumby/Indigo via Getty Images)
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The Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph memorial in Whitehall, central London, held in tribute for members of the armed forces who have died in major conflicts. (credit:Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
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(left to right) Former Prime Minister's Gordon Brown, Tony Blair and Sir John Major during the annual Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph memorial in Whitehall, central London, held in tribute for members of the armed forces who have died in major conflicts. (credit:Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
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The Chelsea pensioners march during the annual Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph memorial in Whitehall, central London, held in tribute for members of the armed forces who have died in major conflicts. (credit:Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
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(L-R) Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands attend the annual Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph on Whitehall on November 8, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. People across the UK gather to pay tribute to service personnel who have died in the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) (credit:Carl Court via Getty Images)
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Veterans march during the annual Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph memorial in Whitehall, central London, held in tribute for members of the armed forces who have died in major conflicts. (credit:Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
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Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn steps forward to lay a wreath during the annual Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph memorial in Whitehall, central London, held in tribute for members of the armed forces who have died in major conflicts. (credit:Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
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The message on the wreath of Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn during the annual Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph memorial in Whitehall, central London, held in tribute for members of the armed forces who have died in major conflicts. (credit:Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
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Prime Minister David Cameron steps forward to lay a wreath during the annual Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph memorial in Whitehall, central London, held in tribute for members of the armed forces who have died in major conflicts. (credit:Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
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Queen Elizabeth II lays a wreath during the annual Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph memorial in Whitehall, central London, held in tribute for members of the armed forces who have died in major conflicts. (credit:Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
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The Duke of Edinburgh lays a wreath during the annual Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph memorial in Whitehall, central London, held in tribute for members of the armed forces who have died in major conflicts. (credit:Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
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Queen Elizabeth II during the annual Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph memorial in Whitehall, central London, held in tribute for members of the armed forces who have died in major conflicts. (credit:Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
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Mayor of London Boris Johnson and his wife Marina Wheeler walk through Downing Street on their way to the annual Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph memorial in Whitehall, central London, held in tribute for members of the armed forces who have died in major conflicts. (credit:Chris Radburn/PA Wire)
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Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne walks through Downing Street on his way to the annual Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph memorial in Whitehall, central London, held in tribute for members of the armed forces who have died in major conflicts. (credit:Chris Radburn/PA Wire)
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Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis walks through Downing Street on his way to the annual Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph memorial in Whitehall, central London, held in tribute for members of the armed forces who have died in major conflicts. (credit:Chris Radburn/PA Wire)
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Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown walks through Downing Street on his way to the annual Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph memorial in Whitehall, central London, held in tribute for members of the armed forces who have died in major conflicts. (credit:Chris Radburn/PA Wire)
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Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn (left) and Prime Minister David Cameron wait to lay wreaths during the annual Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph memorial in Whitehall, central London, held in tribute for members of the armed forces who have died in major conflicts. (credit:Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
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The Duke of Cambridge (centre) during the annual Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph memorial in Whitehall, central London, held in tribute for members of the armed forces who have died in major conflicts. (credit:Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
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LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - NOVEMBER 08: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 48 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands attend the annual Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph on Whitehall on November 8, 2015 in London, England. The National Service of Remembrance takes place at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London. The Queen, senior politicians, including the British Prime Minister and former British Prime Ministers, alongside representatives from the armed forces pay tribute to those who have suffered or died at war. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images) (credit:Max Mumby/Indigo via Getty Images)
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LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - NOVEMBER 08: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 48 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Queen Elizabeth II attends the annual Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph on Whitehall on November 8, 2015 in London, England. The National Service of Remembrance takes place at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London. The Queen, senior politicians, including the British Prime Minister and former British Prime Ministers, alongside representatives from the armed forces pay tribute to those who have suffered or died at war. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images) (credit:Max Mumby/Indigo via Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn shares a joke with veterans after laying a wreath and speaking at a war memorial at Royal Northern Gardens in Islington on November 8, 2015 in London, England. The Labour Party leader observes Remembrance Sunday at the North Islington war memorial in Manor Gardens, where he read poem 'Futility' by Wilfred Owen. This was after attending the national service of remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall with the Queen this morning. (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Ratcliffe via Getty Images)
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Britain's Defence Minister Philip Hammond (L) and Home Secretary Theresa May attend the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph on Whitehall, London, on November 8, 2015. Services are held annually across Commonwealth countries during Remembrance Day to commemorate servicemen and women who have fallen in the line of duty since World War I. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:GLYN KIRK via Getty Images)