For 11 November, an Armistice Day like no other, the CWGC is lighting up the sky above Cardiff to pay tribute to the 1.7 million Commonwealth war dead as part of its #ShineOn Remembrance activities.

#ShineOn is CWGC's inclusive, accessible, digital Remembrance event that is completely free and open to all.

Through a virtual experience on the CWGC website, making use of the Commission's existing extensive records and search facility, the public will be able to name stars after one of the 1.7 million Commonwealth war dead in CWGC's care. The CWGC is then encouraging everyone to take a moment at 7pm on 11 November 2020 to step outside their homes, look at the stars and remember the fallen.

In a few key locations, including the CWGC's war graves plot at Cardiff Cathays Cemetery, searchlights will beam light into the Armistice night sky from CWGC cemeteries and memorials, not to encourage crowds, but in a symbolic gesture that the light of remembrance, even in these dark times, will never be extinguished.

The lights will be visible for miles around and those who live locally are encouraged to look to the sky at 7pm and watch from the safety of home. The installations are not there to encourage crowds.

Cardiff Cathays Cemetery is the final resting place of over 700 Commonwealth and Allied servicemen and women of the two World Wars. While Australians, Canadians and New Zealanders are among those represented, more than half the war dead here were sons and daughters of local families.

CWGC's Director General, Mr Barry Murphy, explained: "For more than a century, we have gathered at the same time on the same day, to bow our heads and think of those who sacrificed their lives for ours, during the two world wars. But this year's different.

"Whilst we can't come together in person, we can still make sure their names burn bright. Not just for one day, but for all the days (and nights) to come. So, this year, on Remembrance Day, we'll look up to the stars in our night sky to remember those who fell. All 1.7 million of them.

"I would urge the public to join us by choosing to name a star in remembrance of someone and looking up into the night sky at 7pm on 11.11.20 to remember that person and all those who died during the two world wars. Together, we can make sure their names Shine On."

Cabinet Member with responsibility for Bereavement Services, Cllr Michael Michael, said: "Armistice Day is a time to reflect on the enormous sacrifices made by the men and women who have served, fought and died for our country. This year that sense of reflection, and of sacrifice has added resonance, but circumstances mean that many people have been unable to pay their respects in the manner that they would like to.

"We're pleased to be able to support this unique act of remembrance at Cathays Cemetery and hope that residents will join with us as we look to the stars to remember the fallen and make sure their light shines on."

To join CWGC's Remembrance initiative, visit www.cwgc.org/ShineOn and name a star in remembrance.

Shine On has been created in response to the unique circumstance of this remembrance period. There won't be mass gatherings at the Cenotaph and war memorials, and many of us won't be at our usual places of work to hold a communal two minutes silence. Despite this, the CWGC wants to ensure on this Armistice Day we still take the time to remember those who fell.

The CWGC is committed to commemorating the 1.7 million men and women of the Commonwealth who died during the world wars and is responsible for looking after and maintaining Commonwealth war memorials and cemeteries at 23,000 location in more than 150 countries and territories.