From a distance, an AP photographer captures a soldier paying his respects on Armistice Day

LONDON (AP) — Kristy Wigglesworth has been working at The Associated Press in London since July 2005. In addition to news, politics and features, she has covered many events including soccer World Cups and Euros, Wimbledon tennis, International Cricket, eight Olympics, Royal weddings, funerals and the coronation of King Charles III.

Why this photo?

It was Armistice Day (Nov. 11), and I was attending the annual service held at the Cenotaph on Whitehall in London. The event is organized by The Western Front Association, a charity whose aim is to educate the public about the history of World War I (1914-18).

The Cenotaph is the United Kingdom’s national memorial honoring the war dead from Britain and its Commonwealth for conflicts dating to the first world war.

How I made this photo

As a photographer working at events like this you try to be mindful and respectful of the situation, but you also need to get your pictures. I turned my Sony cameras onto silent mode, so I wouldn’t disturb anyone and moved slowly and silently around looking for pictures to tell the story. For a change, it wasn’t raining, and the sun was out.

I spotted a young-looking soldier from Number 9 Company Irish Guards on duty at the ceremony. I used a 70-200mm lens so I could keep my distance and not disturb the ceremony. I captured a moment as he had hung his head in respect.

Why this photo works

I think the picture works because it shows the respect the younger generation has for the fighters of earlier wars – in this moment realising the sacrifices that older generations made.

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