A time to remember

The lamps are going out all over Europe, we shall not see them lit again in our life-time

British Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey, on the eve of Britain's entry into the First World War.

Homes, businesses and public buildings across the UK are being asked to turn out their lights for an hour at 10pm tonight to remember those who died in the First World War. Families are being asked to leave on a single light or candle to commemorate the moment when Prime Minister Herbert Asquith declared Britain had entered the First World War at 11pm on August 4, 1914.

Buildings around the country will be taking part in the 'hour of reflection' between 10pm and 11pm, leaving just a light illuminating a window.

The total number of military and civilian casualties in World War I was over 37 million. There were over 16 million deaths and 20 million wounded ranking it among the deadliest conflicts in human history. The total number of deaths includes about 10 million military personnel and about 7 million civilians. At least 2 million died from diseases and 6 million went missing, presumed dead.

We remember.