The Cenotaph had been designed to commemorate the British Empire military dead of the First World War, but this was later extended to include those that died in the Second World War. ... The memorial is now also used to remember the dead of later wars in which British servicemen and servicewomen have fought.

What is the purpose of a cenotaph?

A cenotaph is an empty tomb or a monument erected in honour of a person or group of people whose remains are elsewhere. It can also be the initial tomb for a person who has since been reinterred elsewhere.

Why is the cenotaph where it is?

The Cenotaph positioned on Whitehall in London has become the central focus for the remembrance and commemoration events in Britain since the First World War – however it was never intended to be permanent. Cenotaph means 'empty tomb'.