Throughout the month of November, bright red poppies have been seen everywhere in the UK, from people’s clothing to shops, train stations, cars, and more. This is all part of the country’s observance of Remembrance Day, a time to honour the lives lost in service of the nation and to show gratitude to the Armed Forces of Britain and the Commonwealth. Tributes are also paid to the families of the Armed Forces community, the emergency services, and innocent civilians who lost their lives in conflict and acts of terrorism.
Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day, is celebrated on 11th November each year. Additionally, Remembrance Sunday, which falls on the second Sunday of November, features a minute of silence at 11am to pay respects. In 2024, Remembrance Sunday will be observed on 10th November. The National Service of Remembrance takes place annually on this day at the Cenotaph on Whitehall in London, commemorating the contributions of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in various conflicts.
The National Service of Remembrance is usually open to the public and televised, allowing people to watch the parade of veterans as they march through London. Members of the royal family, along with government officials, opposition party leaders, former prime ministers, the Mayor of London, and other ministers also pay their respects during the event.
The red poppies that are worn during this time symbolize support for the Armed Forces community and serve as a reminder of both remembrance and hope for a peaceful future. The tradition of wearing red poppies originated from a Canadian doctor, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, who was inspired by the sight of poppies growing in the devastated fields of Ypres in 1915. This inspired him to write the famous poem “In Flanders Field”. The Royal British Legion adopted the poppy symbol in 1921 and began selling them as a way to raise funds to support veterans with housing and job opportunities. Today, around 40,000 volunteers distribute 40 million poppies each year.
If you’re looking to get a poppy to show your support, the Royal British Legion is the official seller. You can purchase a paper poppy for £2, an enamel poppy for £3, or a clip-on poppy for £3.99. Other poppy-themed items, such as wreaths and fabric face masks decorated with poppies, are also available for purchase. All proceeds from the sales of these items go towards supporting the work of The Royal British Legion.
So, as November continues and the red poppies bloom, let us take a moment to remember and honor those who have sacrificed so much for our country. Wear a poppy proudly and show your support for our Armed Forces community.
