Remembrance Sunday: A Day of Honour 2015

Remembrance Sunday marks a day of commemoration across the UK and the Commonwealth for the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women who gave their lives in the two World Wars and later conflicts. A day for the nation to honour those who sacrificed themselves to secure and protect our freedom.

Armistice Day, referred to as Poppy Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in November, the Sunday nearest to November 11^th. The 11th is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War 1 hostilities between Allied nations and Germany in 1918. Other countries like the U.S. have similar observances like Veterans Day.

All across the UK ceremonies, parades and events will be held in most places of which various war veterans will attend, of which are members of organisations including The Royal British Legion as well as armed forced, military cadet forces and youth organisations.

The ‘National Service of Remembrance’ will be held on Sunday 8th November at The Cenotaph in Whitehall, London. The Queen alongside Members of Cabinet, opposition Party leaders, former Prime Ministers, the Mayor of London and other ministers, will pay tribute to these war veterans. Representatives from the Armed Forces, Fishing Fleets, Merchant Air and Navy, faith communities and High Commissioners of Commonwealth countries will also be in attendance.

Events will also be held throughout the week. There will be ‘Fields of Remembrance’ at various locations and dates including London’s West Minster Abbey, Cardiff Castle, Royal Wootton Bassett, Belfast, Gateshead, and Scotland. These are open to the public and pay tribute to all the brave Service men and women who served in our Armed Forces since the First World War.

On Wednesday 11^th November a special ‘Silence in the Square’ event will be held in Trafalgar Square, London (10am onwards). Ben Shephard will host proceedings, which include musical performances and readings from various artists up until the ‘Two Minute Silence’ at 11.00am. This can be attended publically or via live webcast.

“At the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month - we will remember them.”

The Poppy Appeal Campaign

The poppy is the symbol of Remembrance Day. It helps provide thousands of veterans, Service men, women and their families with the vital advice and support they need. The British Legion has launched this campaign across the country. Posters, billboards and print advertisements designed to show that when you wear a poppy you are not just remembering those who have lost lives in conflict but you are also helping the Legion to provide assistance to today's Armed Forces community. Purchase yours today if you do not already have one. To find out more information on this visit The British Legion website.

We are to honour and respect those who have pioneered and made the way for us to continue to live in this world. Today, and forever more we salute you all.

By: Stacey Spencer - BFM Writer

Links:

http://www.britishlegion.org.uk

http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/uk/remembrance-sunday

http://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/event/7152413-remembrance-in-london

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/2010-to-2015-government-policy-national-events-and-ceremonies/2010-to-2015-government-policy-national-events-and-ceremonies#appendix-2-remembrance-sunday

http://www.bbc.co.uk/remembrance/how/poppy.shtml

https://www.london.gov.uk/get-involved/events/silence-in-the-square-2015

Images:

1. http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/

2. British Legion Website

3. Poppy: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/poppy-row-english-defence-league-277327

Quote: British Legion Website