Remembrance Day

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.” 

More than one hundred years ago, the First World War came to an end. It’s more than 75 years since the end of the Second World War. On the 11th of November, we remember those who gave their lives. Armistice Day or ‘Poppy Day’ is a tradition inaugurated by King George V in 1919. If you are visiting the UK for the first time and unaware of the event or want to know a little bit more information about what happens during the day leading up to Remembrance Day, here’s everything you need to know.

Who Gets Involved in Remembrance Day?

Communities, institutions, the Royal family, work colleagues, families and friends throughout the UK come together to remember the fallen and raise money for charities related to the forces. This long-running tradition marks the signing of the Armistice, signalling the end of the First World War. Together with the Commonwealth, the UK uphold longstanding traditions by doing the following:

• Wearing poppies
• Laying wreaths near
• Attending memorial services
• Holding a two-minute silence on the 11th minute of the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month

 Why Do People Wear Poppies and Where to Buy Them?

 Seen as a mark of respect, the importance of remembering those who fought during Great Britain’s countless wars can not be underestimated. Wearing a poppy signifies that you’re thinking of those who lost their lives. It’s not compulsory but immensely appreciated.

Considering the devastation of bombs and countless fights overland the UK witnessed, some beauty remained, such as fields of poppies. Inspired by the iconic red flowers, American poet Canadian doctor and Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae created the now famous poem In Flanders Fields.

Here is the poem:

In Flanders’ fields, the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place: and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders’ fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe;

To you from failing hands, we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high,

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders’ Fields.

Poppies can be purchased in most shops to support the Royal British Legion, collections made by volunteers, or directly on their site, helping those serving currently and anyone who used to serve. It’s 100 years since they have been collecting and it makes a huge difference to the lives of those affected. The British Legion made up of The National Association of Discharged Sailors and Soldiers, The British National Federation of Discharged and Demobilized Sailors and Soldiers, The Comrades of The Great War and The Officers’ Association brought together four national organisations at a critical time in British history in the aftermath of World War One. We continue to buy poppies to support the good work of the British Legion, formed on the 15th of May 1921 and help it flourish like the Poppies seen in those desperately sad times.

Additional Facts About Remembrance Day

1. Remembrance Day did not always take place on the 11th. Before Alan Neill passed a bill, Member of Parliament for Comox–Alberni in 1931, the service from 1919 to 1931 was held on the Monday of the week preceding the 11th.
2. Similar recognition is made by other countries on different days, such as in South Africa where Poppy Day is the Sunday closest to the 11th of November while in New Zealand, ANZAC Day is the 25th of April.
3. Other examples of nations that take part outside of the Commonwealth include France, Poland and Belgium.
4. In the USA, it’s a federal holiday known as Veterans Day as of 1954. Previous to that it was Armistice Day.