Schoolchildren lay crosses and wreaths while veterans stand silent as Armistice Day is marked across Suffolk

Throughout Suffolk thousands of people, everywhere from school playgrounds to busy offices, fell silent on Armistice Day to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in order to preserve our freedom.

Children from four Ipswich Primary Schools reached out across the generations to remember First World War casualties at a moving ceremony on Armistice Day.

The children, from St John’s, St Margaret’s, St Mary’s and Sidegate Primary joined Ipswich mayor Roger Fern and deputy mayor Glen Chisholm for the ceremonies at the Fields of Honour in Ipswich Old Cemetery.

The Fields of Honour are the last resting place for some local service personnel who died as a result of action in the two world wars of the last century.

Each of the children placed a cross on the grave of someone who made the ultimate sacrifice in conflict.

This year’s commemoration coincides with the 100th anniversary of the end of the Battle of the Somme which came to an end on November 18 1916 after more than four months of fierce fighting.

This year’s Armistice Day commemorations in Suffolk were held on a bright, cold day and gave everyone who took part the opportunity to reflect on the events of the wars – and of the conflicts that continue to this day.

At Martlesham Heath Aviation Society Control Tower, around 200 people observed the two-minute silence, while pupils from Gorseland Primary School gave the poetry reading.

A plaque was also unveiled for the museum in remembrance for all who served at Martlesham hHath from 1917 to 1963.

At the ceremony were Second World War Dambusters veteran Ken Oatley, 96, and Lancaster wireless operator Ivan Potter, 94.

BBC Radio Suffolk broadcast live from the museum with spots on the old airfield’s history and on civilian involvement in Suffolk.

Museum vice chairman Bob Dunnett said: “I was really impressed with the number of people who came in remembrance of all those who served and civilians, not just those who died.”

In Felixstowe a maroon rocket was let off over the sea, its bang marking the start of the town’s two minute silence.

More than 200 people visited the war memorial at the sea front to pay their respects.

Town clerk Ash Tadjrishi said: “We had the mayor and councillor at the war memorial near the town hall and a few or the primary schools also came down to lay a wreath.

“We launched the rocket at around 11am which made a poignant bang to start the silence.”

They will be followed on Sunday by Remembrance Day services and parades across the country and in many other parts of the world.

In Bury St Edmunds crowds gathered on Angel Hill for the poignant service.

Afterwards, Mayor of St Edmundsbury Julia Wakelam said: “We are blessed to live in a country at peace with our neighbours and the reason we can live at peace with our neighbours is because of the people who gave their lives, not just in the world wars, but the people who continue to give their lives and their health for our country.”

Members of Sudbury Town Council joined the Sudbury and District Branch of the Royal British Legion for the two minutes’ silence outside the town hall.

The ceremony honoured our war heroes.