The eleventh day of November marks the anniversary of the end of World War One and Two; we call this Remembrance Day. On Remembrance Day, we remember and commemorate those whose lives were lost, and the men and women who served during World War One. This day also pays respect to the current soldiers fighting for our country, and we wear the red poppy as a symbol to all those who have served in war.
Facts about Remembrance Day!
- World War One ended on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh month, on the eleventh day 1918.
- It was King George V who originally introduced the two minute silence for his fallen soldiers.
- Poppies were chosen as the official symbol because they grew on the battle field after the war.
- The money raised from poppy sales goes to the Royal British Legion. In 2021 alone, the charity raised £38.6 million, with 100% of the profits supporting the Armed Forces community.
- The day was originally named ‘Armistice Day’ but was later changed to ‘Remembrance’ so we could commemorate those who then fought during World War Two.
- The red from the Poppy symbol resembles ‘Hope’.
What can you do to support Remembrance Day?
- Buy a poppy! You can usually purchase them from most shops around this time of year. You may even come across a soldier selling them outside shops or on the street.
- Take part in a two minute silence. If you haven’t done this at school already, you can always take two minutes out of your day to think of the soldiers and workers who served during the war.
- Attend a ceremony. There will be ceremonies up and down the country for people to attend and pay respect to the armed forces. These ceremonies can include the laying of wreaths, music and marching!
- Create your own poppy. Remember those who have served by making and wearing your very own poppy.
