When is Remembrance Day 2024? Minutes of silence and what red poppies symbolize

On By Littum

Throughout November, bright red poppies have appeared on people’s clothes, in shops, at train stations, on cars and more as the UK celebrates Remembrance Day.

This month, the UK honors the lives lost in the service of the country and thanks the UK and Commonwealth armed forces.

Tributes are also paid to the families of the armed forces community and the emergency services, and the lives of innocent civilians lost in conflict and acts of terrorism are also acknowledged.

When is Remembrance Day 2024?

Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day, falls on November 11, as it does every year.

The occasion is also marked on the second Sunday in November, known as Remembrance Sunday, with a minute’s silence at 11 a.m.

This year, Remembrance Sunday falls on November 10. The National Service of Remembrance is held every year on this day at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London, to commemorate “the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two world wars and subsequent conflicts”.

How can I watch The National Service of Remembrance?

The National Service of Remembrance, which sees a parade of veterans march through London and the royal family paying tribute to members of the Cabinet, opposition party leaders, former prime ministers, the Mayor of London and other ministers, is usually open to the public and televised.

What does the red poppy symbolize?

The red poppies are worn as support for the Armed Forces community and are a symbol of “both remembrance and hope for a peaceful future”, says RBL.

During World War I, parts of Britain’s countryside were destroyed during bombing and fighting. But bright red poppies bloomed in the muddy fields and inspired a poem by the Canadian doctor, Lt. Col. John McCrae.

McCrae’s now famous poem, “In Flanders Fields”, then inspired the American academic Moina Michael to adopt the flower in memory of those lost in the war.

After campaigning to have the flower adopted as an official symbol of remembrance throughout the United States, Michael worked with others who wanted to do the same in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Today, the red poppies are carried across the country in tribute to the Armed Forces and RBL’s Poppy Appeal collects funds to help veterans with housing and jobs. Around 40,000 volunteers now distribute 40 million poppies each year.

Where can I get a poppy?

RBL is the official seller of poppies for Remembrance Day and you can buy a paper poppy for £2, an enamel poppy for £3 or a clip-on poppy for £3.99.

Other poppy-themed items are also available, including a wreath for £17.99 and a fabric face mask decorated with poppies, which is now on sale for £4.99.

All items can be purchased online at RBL’s Poppy Shopor you can visit your nearest RBL store to buy them in person. Poppy Appeal sellers can also be found in most locations closer to Remembrance Day.

All money spent on poppies goes to The Royal British Legion.