by Duncan Walker BBC News Online

Samantha Boggs and Anna Boltong wanted to pay their respects

On a cold grey day, they gathered in central London for the tribute, which took place on Armistice Day.

Among those who saw the Queen unveil the monument were 27 Australian veterans including Ken Briggs, who said the gesture was "awe-inspiring".

Many young Australians were also present to pay their respects.

A 'masterpiece'

As the two-minute silence began at 1100 GMT a stillness fell over the normally bustling Hyde Park Corner - where the granite memorial has been built.

Mike and James Harriss said young Australians were grateful

Its end was marked with a flypast by RAF jets, hidden behind low grey cloud.

The Queen then dedicated the memorial, which honours those Australians who fought in the two World Wars, including 102,000 who were killed.

Mr Briggs, who trained with the Royal Australian Navy but spent World War II with the British navy, said the service was a "masterpiece".

He said: "It really demonstrates how grateful we are to those people who gave their lives."

Mr Briggs said he and the other Australian veterans had received "lots and lots of goodwill" and had been "treated like royalty."

'Pay respect'

Among the many younger Australians at the ceremony were Mike Harriss and his 12-year-old nephew James, who travelled over from Melbourne for the occasion.

The interest of the young was praised by Sir Peter Marshall

James said: "I would probably not be here, or have as much freedom as I do, if it were not for the people that fought in the war."

His uncle, who lives in the UK, said: "As a younger generation Australian, I felt it was part of our duty to pay respect to those who fell in previous generations."

Mr Harriss's feelings were shared by Samantha Boggs and Anna Boltong from Melbourne, who said the sacrifice of the soldiers was something they had grown up to respect.

Walter Ward said the tribute to the Australians was overdue

The memorial was also welcomed by British veterans, who said it was right their overseas colleagues were remembered for their crucial role in the wars.

Walter Ward, a former Royal Engineer, said the tribute was long overdue.

The 83-year-old said: "I'm British and proud of it. We always thought it was the English who won the desert war - but the Commonwealth troops and the Australians played a great part in it."

'Wonderful job'

Many older people at the service said they had been pleased to see lots of young people taking an interest and remembering the sacrifices of others.

The Anzac soldiers must be remembered, Gillian Bell said

Sir Peter Marshall said he was encouraged "by the way in which the memories of both World Wars were flourishing among young people".

Gillian Bell from south London said more and more people were learning about the wars, which meant a great deal to her.

Summing up the feelings of many she said: "I think the Anzac lads did a wonderful job. They played an important job in both wars and must be remembered."

Did you take part in the two minutes' silence this morning? How important is Remembrance Day to you? Send us your views using the postform below:

Banks and government offices are closed today as well John Berg, Toronto, Canada

We observed a minute of silence at work which was announced over the PA system. Banks and government offices are closed today as well. Remembrance Day has special meaning for me as I remember my uncle who died October 3, 1943 while flying for the RCAF over Germany.
John Berg, Toronto, Canada

I am also one of those Australians living in London and attended this morning's memorial service at Hyde Park Corner. At the rear of Hyde Park Corner there is another memorial, I quietly placed my 3 crosses in the ground, one for all the Australians who have died and in particular my great uncle LT Gordon Vincent Oxenham RFC 1918, (the family still calls their first son Gordon 3 generations later) and Capt A. Powers 36 BN 1942, my wife's Grandfather's twin brother. The others were in memory of the 36Bn and for my old Battalion the 4th. If you ever go to Gallipoli, we have our own war cemetery, and the list at Lone Pine, just tears your heart out.
David O'Sullivan, London/Australia

Yes, we observed the two minute silence at work. I remember that when I was young (I am now 56) that cars and buses would pull to the roadside to observe the silence. We must never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
Barry Mellish, England

It is important to continue observing two minutes silence M. Perkins, England

I work in a primary school and all the children and staff took part, this morning, in remembering all those people who fought and lost their lives in wartime. I think it is important to continue observing two minutes silence and to teach our young ones about the sacrifices that have been made for us all.
M. Perkins, England

We held a 2 minute silence at my place of work today in memory of those who died. My great grandfather died at the Somme one month before the war ended, he has an unknown grave. I am proud and grateful to my ancestors and all those people who ensured a safe future for us now. I will make sure my children understand and have the same values to carry with them throughout their lives too. God Bless.
Clare, UK

As the daughter of a RAF reservist who served from 39 to 45 and the granddaughter of two grandfathers who died in WW1 and who neither of my parents nor myself ever knew, I observed 2 minutes silence here in my New York office at 11 a.m. local time.
Carole J. Ball, USA

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