What is Remembrance Day?
Remembrance Day is a day to remember members of the armed forces who have died in the line of duty, as well as others who have been involved in and affected by war.
It was originally declared a special day in 1919 by King George V to remember soldiers killed in the First World War but has since been used as a day to remember soldiers in all wars who have given their lives.
When is Remembrance Day?
The First World War was formally declared over at “the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month”. We traditionally hold two minutes of silence throughout the Commonwealth on 11th November every year.
Why Do We Hold a Two Minute Silence?
Every year since 1919, we have held a two-minute silence on Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday at 11am. This was started by King George V when he asked the nation to stay silent so that "the thoughts of everyone may be concentrated on reverent remembrance of the glorious dead".
When is Remembrance Sunday?
Remembrance Sunday is always the second Sunday in November. In 2021 Remembrance Sunday will be 14th November.
Why Do We Wear Poppies?
In 1915, a poem was written by John McCrae who recounted the devastation he saw during the First World War. He described the land around him, impacted by war, but despite everything the wild poppies still survived. After being published in a popular magazine the poppy became the symbol of remembrance.