Remembrance Day: Royal British Legion urges two minute silence for those who made sacrifices for freedom

The RBL has also highlighted that donations collected this year will be used to make special cost-of-living grants to eligible veterans and serving personnel.

Kate Green, head of Armed Forces Engagement with the RBL, said that Remembrance Day, November 11, is a key date as it marks the end of World War I.

"So there will be a two-minute silence at 11am at the Cenotaph at Belfast City Hall," she said.

"Remembrance is a very personal thing and this is a time for us to encourage people to reflect on those that have gone before us.

"That means those that have served in the military that have either paid the ultimate sacrifice. Or they may have come home but they are not the same people any more due to physical or mental trauma – people who just gave everything for us in their service."

There will also be commemorative parades this weekend on Remembrance Sunday, she added.

She recently opened a temporary Field of Remembrance at Belfast City Hall, located in front of the Cenotaph.

"People can go around this and spend a minute of quiet reflection and plant a dedication if they want to.

"There are plots for all the military and civilian units that have been involved in various conflicts.”

While the poppy is traditionally linked to World War I, she said it is actually about all conflicts and is personal to individuals.

"It is not political at all. It is just for people to spend some time in quiet reflection about those who went before us."

As usual poppies can be bought in all supermarkets, on the streets and on the RBL website.

Donations this year will help veterans in the cost-of-living crisis.

"We have introduced a cost-of-living grant available to all veterans and serving personnel which is £200 a month for a year to help with cost of living," she added.

Donations can also be made at: www.britishlegion.org.uk

On Sunday the Cregagh/Wandsworth & Ormeau branch of the RBL will leave their hall at 10.40am for the short march to their Cenotaph where they will hold a service, lay wreaths then return to their hall.

The rest of the branches in Belfast go to church services or City Hall were Belfast branch and Seaveiw branch attend.

Lisburn branch leave their hall In Sackville Street to go to the war memorial in Castle Street and then parade to Railway Street for a church service.