Angry veterans, MPs and the families of fallen soldiers have beaten Extinction Rebellion after the group hijacked the cenotaph in a police-unchallenged "shameful" stunt of climate change on Memorial Day.
The eco-warriors trampled over wreaths and unveiled a banner reading "Honor your sacrifice, climate change means war" to mark the 100th anniversary of the memorial in Whitehall in central London.
Former private citizen Donald Bell led the protest at 8 a.m. and was silent for two minutes before hanging his own wreath over the wreath that senior military officials, royals and politicians had laid over the weekend.
But it took the city police up to two hours to pick it up, even though one of their cars was parked within sight of the monument.
This was in stark contrast to Sunday, when officials knocked Scottish Guard veteran bagpiper Ben Buckland to the ground as he marched past the police barricade guarding the memorial.
It comes as homes across the UK fell silent on Armistice Day in memory of the Nation's War Day when the coronavirus pandemic curtailed public commemorations.
People were asked not to gather at the cenotaph for Memorial Day to stop the spread of Covid-19, but the brazen XR protesters ignored the request.
Tobias Ellwood, who served with the Royal Green Jackets before becoming a MP, said the group would "alienate" people while the Royal British Legion said the day was "not for political protest".
The eco-warriors trampled over wreaths and unveiled a banner reading "Honor your sacrifice, climate change means war" to mark the 100th anniversary of the memorial in Whitehall in central London
Former soldier Donald Bell (right) led the protest at 8am and was silent for two minutes before hanging his own wreath with the words "Climate change means war, act now".
However, it took city police up to two hours to dismantle them, even though one of their cars was parked within sight of the monument
Mr Bell, a 64-year-old ex-private citizen (left, greets the cenotaph), said he wanted to highlight how climate change could cause more wars.
Mr Bell (right) said, “I took action today because I knew I would be criticized. I knew I would be accused of being disrespectful and hated by many for speaking up that way. & # 39;
City police later collapsed and removed the protest from the Whitehall memorial, but it reportedly took up to two hours
Soldat became a radical letter writer who sticks to police cars: the XR activist behind controversial protest against the cenotaph
Former infantryman Donald Bell
As a young infantryman in the British Army, he was hit by shrapnel from an IRA car bomb that killed two other soldiers in Stewartstown in 1974.
Mr. Bell made four missions with the Royal Anglican Regiment.
These days he is fighting against climate change.
In February, he was seen digging the lawn at Trinity College, Cambridge, and was later arrested after being glued to a police car. He told reporters that he had written letters to the government for nearly 50 years but was always ignored.
He said, “We had to be more disruptive. I just felt compelled to do something for my children and grandchildren. & # 39;
Bell, 64, who survived a car bomb in Northern Ireland in 1974, said he wanted to highlight how climate change could cause further wars.
He said, “I took action today because I knew I would be criticized. I knew that if I spoke up that way, I would be accused of being disrespectful and hated by many.
“Memorial Day is never an easy time for veterans, and it has not been an easy decision for me.
“But I've served this country, I've served the people of this country, and the actions I have taken today are just that.
“Uncontrolled climate change means returning to a world at war. I can't watch and let that happen. It is my duty to act.
"This administration's own climate advisor, the Climate Change Committee, said last year that they are taking a 'dad's army' approach to protecting the UK population from the effects of climate change.
& # 39; Your report from June this year showed that the government has not achieved all but two of the 31 milestones it has set to reduce emissions.
“This government is criminally negligent and young people today will pay the price for their failure.
& # 39; I've done four tours in Northern Ireland. I was in a conflict. I saw good friends – my comrades with whom I served – die.
“Many of the people who attend the memorial service have never seen the horrors of war. I hope you never have to.
"However you feel about the action today, I want people to take up that message. If we don't deal with this climate emergency now, it will lead to war."
XR said in a post on its website: & # 39; The action aims to highlight the link between rising global temperatures and an increase in conflicts and wars.
"Research commissioned by the Defense Ministry in June this year suggests a growing understanding that climate change can exacerbate existing threats to international peace and security."
The three strong protesters bow their heads during their demonstration in the cenotaph today
A troop of the household cavalry pays their respects in the cenotaph early in the morning
Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said: “The 100th anniversary of the unveiling of the cenotaph and the burial of the Unknown Warrior are a poignant reminder of the scale of the casualties in World War I and the continuing importance of coming together as a nation to remember all those who who sacrificed their lives for this country & # 39;
On Wednesday, more than 100 poppy wreaths will be brought to London on board the early morning trains elsewhere
Wednesday also marks 100 years since the inauguration of the permanent version of the cenotaph memorial in Whitehall in central London
Mounted police pass the cenotaph with wreaths in Whitehall in central London today
A troop of household cavalry pays their respects in the cenotaph this early morning
A large police presence was celebrated around Parliament Square in Westminster on Armistice Day marking the 100th anniversary of the Unknown Warrior
Veterans pay their respects at the Whitehall Cenotaph to commemorate Britain's war dead in central London
A large police presence was seen in Parliament Square during the service today. Two officials pictured here guarded the statue of Britain's greatest Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill
It added: “Today's action calls on the government to take action to stave off the rise in unrest, conflict and war anticipated by the Defense Department report.
& # 39; The Climate Change Committee, which advises the government on reducing emissions and reports on its progress, announced in June this year that the government had only reached two of its 31 milestones and with only four of the 21 in the EU identified indicators on track was the path to zero emissions.
"The action indicates that, in this context, it is an act of remembrance to speak about the consequences of an untested warning."
The XR protesters put up banners and wreaths without being challenged by the police.
It was in stark contrast to Remembrance Sunday when Scottish Guard veteran Bagpiper Buckland, 47, a veteran from Romford, east London, was filmed marching onto the police barricade guarding the cenotaph.
He was seen stumbling backwards before falling to the ground, causing an uproar among other members of the public who stood with him at the police line.
However, a separate video has since appeared in which the piper brags, "Sometimes you have to create something to get what you want," as he admits that "I actually did it". I provoked them. & # 39;
Police confirmed that Mr. Buckland, who worked in security and heads an anti-poaching unit, was arrested on suspicion of a joint attack on a rescue worker.
XR's most recent stunt came as homes across the UK fell silent on Armistice Day commemorating the Nation's War Day when the coronavirus pandemic curtailed public commemorations.
People were encouraged to take a break at the front door or window for the traditional two-minute silence at 11am on Wednesday.
Covid-19 restrictions on gatherings and travel have disrupted memorial events this year, forcing the memorial service at the cenotaph to be scaled back last weekend.
XR was met with anger among veterans and online when social media users described the group as "really shameful."
A spokesman for the Royal British Legion told MailOnline: “War memorials and graves honor the memory of every member of the armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice and deserves the greatest respect.
“The armed forces of the past and present have made sacrifices to defend the freedoms we have today, including freedom of expression.
“While we respect the right of others to express their views within the law, we believe the Poppy Appeal is a time of remembrance, not political protest.
& # 39; Armistice Day is a poignant time when millions of people ponder the human cost of conflict and recognize the service and sacrifice of each member of the armed forces. Today in particular we celebrate 100 years since the return of The Unknown Warrior and all that this act of remembrance symbolizes. & # 39;
Victoria Cross owner Johnson Beharry told the Sun, “Today of all days? It's the 11th of the 11th. It's Memorial Day. They really don't respect our fallen.
“If we hadn't sacrificed our lives, they wouldn't be able to protest today. You should remember that. & # 39;
Rep. Tobias Ellwood, who served with Royal Green Jackets, told the Telegraph: “You are going to alienate the very people you are trying to convince by choosing the cenotaph today, of all days.
“While many will support their cause, the tactics used here could easily backfire, which is a shame as all nations including the UK will turn their attention to us when we host COP26 (The Climate Forum).
"The meaning of what the cenotaph stands for is the central and iconic representation of the sacrifice made for the freedoms we enjoy today."
Brexit activist Darren Grimes wrote: "Really shameful: The extinction rebellion has put a wreath on the cenotaph that says" climate change means war ".
"These privileged fools seem to be doing whatever it takes to turn public opinion against them."
Another person wrote: "Really shameful: Extinction rebellions have put a wreath" Climate change means war "on the cenotaph.
"These privileged fools seem to be doing whatever it takes to turn public opinion against them."
Another added, 'There's a place and a time … and it's not.
"If it hadn't been for those who fought and died … this self-righteous" bright "rebellion wouldn't even see light or day!
& # 39; IT'S EASY! Hence … "NO RESPECT". "
One man commented, “Extinction Rebellion really knows how to lose support for their cause.
& # 39; Your members are now being scrapped. You need a new PR representative. & # 39;
Twitter user Jake Wright wrote: "I bet the London police will do nothing at all about the disgusting behavior the Extinction Rebellion is doing today with its protests against the cenotaph in London.
One woman said, “Extinction Rebellion activists hijack the cenotaph on Memorial Day in protest against climate change. Are you serious. No Memorial Day for the rest of us, but is that allowed? You disgust me, be ashamed. & # 39;
Another said, "I can't believe the Extinction Rebellion civic group" hung this "Climate Change is War" banner on the cenotaph on Memorial Day. No respect at all. You should be ashamed of yourself. & # 39;
One report commented: & # 39; Cowardly scum. Extinction Rebellion activists hijack the cenotaph on Memorial Day in protest against climate change. & # 39;
Another said online: "Can you imagine more insults to the nation and the victims of the dead than the action of these spoiled brats?)) Extinction Rebellion activists hijack the cenotaph on Memorial Day in protest against climate change."
Brian Higginson added, "Really shameful: Extinction rebellions have put a wreath" Climate change means war "on the cenotaph. Pure scum."
The Metropolitan Police has been asked to comment.
Due to nationwide restrictions on coronavirus, veterans were forced to spend Armistice Day at home today.
An invitation-only service scheduled for Wednesday at Westminster Abbey in London marked the 100th anniversary of the Unknown Warrior's funeral.
Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were part of a stripped-down parish at the abbey this morning, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Unknown Warrior's funeral on Armistice Day.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and union leader Sir Keir Starmer also attended the service before the country fell silent at 11am to pay their respects to Britain's war dead.
The household cavalry had previously paid their respects to the fallen at the cenotaph. Due to the threat of Covid-19, the British have been asked to take a break on their doorstep to observe the traditional two-minute silence.
The restrictions on gatherings and travel have disrupted memorial events this year, forcing the memorial service at the cenotaph to be scaled back last weekend.
Today's television service is held to commemorate the funeral of an unknown British soldier whose body was brought back from northern France.
Laurence Binyon's poem "For the Fallen", published for the first time in 1914, commemorates soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and contains the much-quoted line: "They will not grow old as we who are left grow old . "
The Prime Minister and Prince Charles were among those who arrived at Westminster Abbey this morning to watch a two-minute silence as Britain celebrated Armistice Day
Homes across the UK will remain silent on Armistice Day in memory of the Nation's War Day as the coronavirus pandemic curtails public commemorations. An invitation-only service to be held on Wednesday at Westminster Abbey in London marks the 100th anniversary of the Unknown Warrior's funeral. Pictured: Laurel is arranged around the warrior's grave before today's service
The unknown warrior was buried on November 11, 1920 at the western end of the abbey nave to represent all those who lost their lives in World War I, but whose place of death was unknown or whose bodies were never found.
World War I killed around 745,000 British soldiers, around 12 percent of the soldiers.
The unknown warrior, placed among kings and heroes
The Queen's wedding bouquet with orchids that lay on the grave of the Unknown Warrior in November 1947
The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior was inspired by the Reverend David Railton, who served as chaplain on the Western Front during World War I and saw a grave marked with a rough cross and a note in pencil: “An Unidentified British Soldier. & # 39;
After this devastating conflict, he wrote to then-Dean of Westminster, Herbert Ryle, with a proposal for a memorial to the fallen with no known grave to be among the kings and national heroes in the abbey.
His idea was supported by King George V and Prime Minister David Lloyd George.
The body was selected from four unidentified British soldiers who had been exhumed from four battlefields and transported back to Britain.
On November 11, 1920, the coffin was draped with a Union flag and brought to the cenotaph (from the Greek "kenos" and "Taphos", which means empty grave) in a cannon wagon, where the queen's grandfather, George V, had a wreath on it.
The king, who was there with his son, future King George VI, watched as the warrior was buried in the abbey and a handful of soil from France fell on his coffin.
It was then topped with an engraved headstone made from black Belgian marble.
The 1920 Daily Mail coverage of the day of the Unknown Warrior's funeral describes how King George V first unveiled and "laid a wreath on the Whitehall cenotaph."
The coverage adds that the "ritual" was exciting in its solemnity.
The handover of the soldier to the rest was "the first time in history that such an homage was paid to the humble fighter".
Then it goes on, "and no one in attendance at the ceremony will ever forget their mixed notes of sadness and triumph", describing how "thousands of bereaved and wives" lined the path to the abbey.
The tomb was inspired by the Reverend David Railton, who served as a chaplain on the Western Front during World War I.
During this time he saw a grave marked with a rough cross that read "An Unknown British Soldier".
He then proposed to the Dean of Westminster, Robert Ryle, that a memorial be erected for the fallen who had no known grave.
His idea was supported by King George V and then Prime Minister David Lloyd George.
The inscription on the warrior's grave reads:
The body rests under this stone
From a British warrior
Unknown by name or rank
Brought from France to lie under
The most famous in the country
And buried here on Armistice Day
November 11, 1920 in the presence of
His Majesty King George V.
His ministers of state
The chiefs of his armed forces
And a huge collection of the nation
That is how many are thought
Lots of that during the great
The war of 1914-1918 gave the most
Man can give life himself
For God For king and country
For loved ones at home and in the kingdom
Victoria Cross recipient Johnson Beharry arrives at Westminster Abbey, London to attend a service on Armistice Day and the 100th anniversary of the Unknown Warrior's funeral
United States Ambassador to Great Britain Woody Johnson arrives at the abbey for today's service
Every year, the two-minute silence on the day of the armistice marks the end of the First World War, after an agreement between Germany and the Allies came into force on the "11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month" of 1918. Image: King George V (shown in front), arrival to the funeral ceremony of the Unknown Warrior
For the sacred cause of justice and
The freedom of the world
They buried him under the kings because he
Had done good to God and his house. & # 39;
Every year the two-minute silence on the day of the armistice marks the end of this four-year conflict after an agreement between Germany and the Allies came into force on the "11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month" of 1918.
The service and silence will be broadcast live on BBC One starting at 10:30 am and will be hosted by the Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr. David Hoyle, directed.
It will also include a talk by the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Reverend and Rt Hon Justin Welby.
General Sir Nick Carter, Chief of Defense Staff, the professional chief of the armed forces, said: “The funeral of the Unknown Warrior a hundred years ago was a defining moment for the British people.
To many of those who stood in silence or made pilgrimages to Westminster he was not at all unknown.
His anonymity meant that he was the father, husband, son, or brother who never came home from the war.
On the Tuesday before the solemn service on Wednesday, flower tributes were arranged around the warrior's grave
The inscription on the warrior's grave reads: “Under this stone rests the body of a British warrior. Unknown by name or rank. Brought from France to be among the most famous in the country. Buried here on Armistice Day, November 11, 1920, in the presence of His Majesty King George V. His ministers of state The chiefs of his armed forces and a large gathering of the nation This is a reminder of the many crowds who gave their best during the First World War from 1914 to 1918 What man himself can give life for God for king and country For loved ones at home and in the kingdom For the holy cause of justice and freedom of the world They buried him under the kings because he had done good to God and his house
The poet award winner Simon Armitage has written a moving homage on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the burial of the unknown warrior. He will read the poem in today's service
"Today the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior reminds us that war is costly and that we should never forget those who sacrificed their lives for our free and open way of life."
Wednesday also marks 100 years since the inauguration of the permanent version of the cenotaph memorial in Whitehall in central London.
Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said: “The 100th anniversary of the unveiling of the cenotaph and the burial of the Unknown Warrior are a poignant reminder of the scale of the casualties in World War I and the continuing importance of coming together as a nation to remember all those who who sacrificed their lives for this country. & # 39;
On Wednesday, more than 100 wreaths of poppies will be brought on board the early morning trains to London elsewhere.
The Great Western Railway has partnered with military charities, local government agencies and military bases for the Poppies to Paddington operation, which will include nine trains and more than 60 stations.
Upon arrival at Paddington Station, the wreaths will be placed on the platform on the platform at 11 a.m. sharp on their war memorial.
Towards the end of the day, people are also encouraged to gaze up at the night sky from home in another collective moment of remembrance.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), which oversees war memorials and cemeteries around the world, urges the public to take a moment at 7 p.m. to look up at the stars.
CWGC has released a free online tool on its website that people can use to name a star in homage to someone who died or served during the two world wars.
At 7 p.m., powerful spotlights will also shine into the night sky as symbolic commemorative lights emitted from the CWGC's Plymouth Naval Memorial, Surrey Brookwood Military Cemetery, and war graves at Cardiff Cathays Cemetery and Edinburgh Rosebank Cemetery.
On Armistice Day, more than 130 war memorials are given in honor of fallen soldiers listed status.
The Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has added 132 monuments to its National Heritage List on the advice of historic England.
Among the memorials is one that marks 25 local men in Basingstoke, including two brothers who died the same day.
Another on the Isle of Wight was erected in memory of the air raid officers and ambulance workers who worked to protect the island during World War II.
The Wednesday service comes after the Queen, Prince Charles and Prime Minister Boris Johnson spearheaded politicians and kings who paid their respects to Britain's war dead at the cenotaph on Sunday.
There was strict social distancing to continue the ceremony as the country remains under a blanket second lockdown amid a second wave of coronavirus.
Millions of people across the UK instead privately paid their respects from home while others went to their local war memorials to hold socially detached ceremonies.
Eric Howden BEM, 76, Chairman of the UK Redcar Legion who served with the Royal Ordnance Corps in front of a memorial mural in Redcar, North Yorkshire, ahead of Wednesday's two-minute silence
On Tuesday, florists worked hard to decorate the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior with flowers before today's service
The solemn burial ceremony took place two years after the armistice was signed in 1918. The public could pass the grave
The coffin of the Unknown Warrior resting before the funeral ceremony at Westminster Abbey in London
The Daily Mail coverage the day after the Unknown Warrior's funeral described "thousands of bereaved and wives" lining the path from the tomb to Westminster Abbey
Typically around 10,000 veterans would pay their respects at the cenotaph, but this year there were only 26 due to the risks posed by Covid-19.
In addition to Mr Johnson and Labor Leader Sir Keir, former Prime Ministers David Cameron, Tony Blair and Theresa May, Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Home Secretary Priti Patel and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey were also present.
As the clock struck 11 a.m., Mr Johnson, Prince Charles, Prince William and other members of the British elite marked the two-minute silence before laying their wreaths.
The Queen watched from the royal chest in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office as Prince Charles laid a wreath for her.
The Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Edward and his wife, the Countess of Wessex, and Princess Anne, the Princess Royale, were also in attendance.
Last week the Queen made an unannounced visit to Westminster Abbey to commemorate the centenary of the Unknown Warrior
According to the court's circular, she was greeted by the Dean of Westminster Abbey, The Very Reverend David Hoyle.
The monarch looked somber in a black ensemble that was usually only worn during mourning, at a funeral, or during Memorial Day and Sunday worship.
The November 4th Court Circular read: “The Queen this morning commemorating the 100th anniversary of the burial of the Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey, London SW1, and was welcomed by the Dean of Westminster (the very venerable Dr. David Hoyle) on the Great West Door received). & # 39;
The Queen has only had a handful of engagements since March and is expected to stay in the background for the next month as she and she The 99-year-old Duke of Edinburgh is locked together at Windsor Castle.
The Duchess of Cornwall also got engaged to the Queen at Westminster Abbey and advocated Prince Harry visit the Field of Remembrance.
She then stood in front of crosses from the graves of the unknown when the dean offered prayers before solemnly laying her own memorial cross and bowing her head thoughtfully.
A beeper played the last post, followed by a two-minute silence and a reminder as Big Ben rang at 2 p.m.
Then the Duchess and the rear admiral of the surgeon Lionel Jarvis, the president of the poppy seed factory, visited the 308 parcels with more than 60,000 crosses and symbols of all faiths, which were laid by staff and volunteers.
Memorial services on Sunday, which are traditionally part of the community service, cannot take place on November 8th as planned due to lockdown restrictions.
However, instead of being banned entirely, the government has put in place a set of guidelines for local authorities and religious leaders hoping to hold the services.
Last month, XR was beaten up for going home to Sir David Attenborough's house before being turned away by his daughter, who said they were protecting themselves from Covid-19.
Eco-warriors delivered a letter and "gifts" including an olive tree to the naturalist's home in Richmond last month after he warned protesters not to break the law
Extinction Rebellion protesters block access to a print shop in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, and leave the shelves of some newsagents empty in September
They delivered a "civil disobedience starter kit" to his home in Richmond, west London, after he warned them not to break the law.
They said the 94-year-old's influence and comments "are helping to eradicate the voices and victims of front-line earth protectors around the world".
The four women and two men said they were hoping to deliver the delivery in person, so it "came across as a friend of a friend who wanted to reach him where he lives".
But Sir David's daughter Susan told them he would not open the door amid the coronavirus pandemic.
In September protesters blocked printing plants for national newspapers, one of the protesters blocking the British media was worse than the Nazis.
More than 100 protesters turned against newspaper printers in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire and Knowsley near Liverpool and blocked the newspapers.
Donnachadh McCarthy, 61, emerged as one of the group's leaders, justifying the attack by saying, “It's like World War II, and you (the newspapers) are on the other side. That's how we see it.
“It puts you on the side of the existential threat. It's a different existential threat, but a bigger one than the Nazis. & # 39;
What is Extinction Rebellion and what do they want?
"Extinction Rebellion is an international movement that uses nonviolent civil disobedience to stop mass extinction and the risk of social collapse," the About page on its website said.
The environmental protest group held its first demonstration in Parliament Square on October 31, 2018.
The worldwide group wants to change the power structure in order to remove the authority of the central governments.
The website states: "We understand that we need to organize ourselves to meet our own needs. This, in the context of the Extinction Rebellion, means that we are working to balance power by destroying the usual pillars of power, that determine our life. "
The environmental protest group held its first demonstration in Parliament Square on October 31, 2018
Since 2018, members of the group have gathered at London Fashion Week, the House of Commons and various other locations in central London.
On Wednesday morning, April 17, 2019, two activists climbed onto the roof of a Docklands Light Railway train at Canary Wharf station while another stuck to one side and disrupted rail traffic.
The following day, the three activists were charged with blocking trains. After pleading not guilty, they were sent to jail for four weeks without bail until they waited for their next hearing.
On February 17, 2020, members of the University of Cambridge's Extinction Rebellion dug a lawn in front of Trinity College in protest of their investment in oil and gas companies. The excavated mud was later taken to a local Halifax office.
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