Remembrance Day commemorates the end of World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. It is a day to remember all those who have died in conflicts, including World War I, World War II, and more recent wars. The poppy became a symbol of remembrance after poppies were the first flowers to grow on the battlefields of World War I. Today, poppies are worn and funds raised to support veterans' organizations like the British Legion.

1. REMEMBRANCE DAY

2. What are we
remembering on
Remembrance Day?

3. Remembrance Day
On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day
of the eleventh month in 1918 the Great
War ended.
The first Remembrance Day was held in
1919 to commemorate the end of the war.
King George V initiated a 2 minute silence
to remember those who had given their
lives.
Originally this day was known as Armistice
Day.

4. In modern times
On Remembrance Day today we think of all
those who have lost their lives in conflict.
Conflicts which include WWI, WWII, the
Falklands war, the Gulf war and the Iraq
war.
It also includes the war in Afghanistan in
which people are still actively fighting today.

5. Why wear poppies?
The poppy is an international symbol of
remembrance.
Poppies were the first flowers to grow in the
former battlefields in Belgium and France where
many soldiers are buried.
Their paper thin petals were the first signs of
new life and renewal.
They inspired John McCrae, a Canadian doctor,
to write the famous war poem – In Flanders
fields

6. 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 falling 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.
John McCrae

7. The British Legion
Poppies are now sold to
raise money for The
British Legion.
This is a charitable
organisation who
support those who are
serving in the armed
forces and former
soldiers.

8. White poppies
White poppies are also
sold and are worn as a
sign of respect.
The white poppy is a
symbol of peace.

9. Remembrance Sunday
Remembrance Sunday is the
second Sunday in November.
On this day people remember
those who have given their lives
in war.
A number of special
remembrance services are held
throughout Britain.
People leave wreaths and
poppies at the Cenotaph to
remember the dead.