Monday 11 November 2013

Remembrance Day 2013 - Poppy Day

During the First World War, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare.


In many parts of the world, people observe a two-minute of silence at 11am on 11 November for the men and women who gave their lives in the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts.

11 November is known as Armistice Day, Remembrance Day or Poppy Day.


Why do we wear poppies on Remembrance Day?

The poppy was one of the first flowers to bloom on the battlefields of Flanders during World War 1. Their bright red colour symbolised the blood shed during the horrific conflict, but also the hope of new life, and the poppy became the symbol of Remembrance Day.

The Remembrance Poppy has been used as a symbol since 1920. Today, poppies are worn on clothing in the days leading up to Remembrance Day, and poppy wreaths are placed on war memorials. This is why Remembrance Day is often known as Poppy Day.

In the UK, poppies can be bought from The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. The money raised goes to help veterans of the armed services.

"They Shall not grow old"

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them."

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