Remembrance Day: Honoring the Fallen

Remembrance Day, also known as Poppy Day, is a solemn occasion observed annually to honor the sacrifices of armed forces members who died in the line of duty. Originating after World War I, it is marked by ceremonies, moments of silence, and the wearing of red poppies.

Quick Facts

• When is it? November 11th each year.
• Tagged as: Memorial Day for war dead.
• What’s the hashtag? #RemembranceDay
• When was it founded? 1919.
• Who founded it? King George V officially initiated the observance.

History of Remembrance Day

The tradition began as Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. The armistice took effect at “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.” In 1919, King George V introduced a two-minute silence to remember those who perished. After World War II, it was renamed Remembrance Day to honor all who died in conflicts worldwide.

Timeline

• 1918: Armistice signed, ending World War I.
• 1919: First Armistice Day observed.
• 1931: Renamed Remembrance Day in Canada.
• 1945: Expanded to include World War II victims.
• 1997: Official proclamation in Australia for annual observance.

Dates by Next Year (2025–2030)

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	November 11	Tuesday
2026	November 11	Wednesday
2027	November 11	Thursday
2028	November 11	Saturday
2029	November 11	Sunday
2030	November 11	Monday

Observed

Remembrance Day is observed in Commonwealth countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Ceremonies often include laying wreaths at war memorials, reciting “In Flanders Fields,” and observing moments of silence.

Fun Facts About Remembrance Day

• The red poppy became a symbol due to John McCrae’s poem In Flanders Fields.
• The Cenotaph in London serves as a focal point for UK commemorations.
• In Canada, over 18 million poppies are distributed annually.

Quiz

1. Why is Remembrance Day held on November 11?
2. What flower symbolizes this day?
3. Who proposed the two-minute silence tradition?
4. What does “cenotaph” mean?
5. Which poem is associated with the day?

Answers:

1. It marks the end of World War I.
2. The red poppy.
3. Edward Honey (Australian journalist).
4. “Empty tomb.”
5. In Flanders Fields.

FAQs

• Why do we wear poppies? To honor those who died in wars; inspired by their growth on battlefields during WWI.
• What happens during the two-minute silence? People reflect on the sacrifices made by soldiers and civilians during conflicts.

Related

• Armistice Day
• Veterans Day (USA)
• Anzac Day (Australia/New Zealand)
• Memorial Day (USA)

Remembrance Day reminds us to reflect on past sacrifices for peace and freedom while fostering hope for a better future. Lest we forget.