By Daniel Forman - 26th June 2006
Ministers have announced that the death of the last surviving first world war veteran will be marked by a national memorial service.
Defence secretary Des Browne said the Westminster Abbey service will echo the ceremony on November 11, 1920 when the Unknown Warrior was laid to rest and Cenotaph unveiled.
"Millions of men and women from across the British Empire made great sacrifices serving their country in World War I," said Browne.
"Millions more endured the loss of their loved ones.
"A national memorial service will allow the whole nation to honour the valour and spirit shown by the veterans of World War I and will commemorate an entire generation."
The announcement came after a concerted campaign by MPs for a state funeral and came on the first national veterans' day on Tuesday, as part of series of events.
Tony Blair was set to host an evening reception for former servicemen in Downing Street at the end of the day of celebrations and commemorations across the country.
Browne and veterans' minister Tom Watson were also meeting Victoria Cross and George Cross holders at the Imperial War Museum in London.
And chancellor Gordon Brown met veterans at the Cabinet War Rooms in Whitehall.
Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd