What is Remembrance Day & Why is it Important?

What is Remembrance Day?

Remembrance Day commemorates people in history who have fought to defend the freedoms and rights that we have today. This list is endless, but can include people who:

• Served in the Armed Forces

• Worked in the emergency services 

• Contributed to the home front

What is the difference between Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday?

Two key events are observed in Remembrance. The first one is at 11 am on the 11th November, when people observe a two-minute silence. The act marks the day and time that the armistice to end the First World War was signed. This year, this will fall on a Monday. 

The second event is Remembrance Sunday. This is always held on the second Sunday of November, which is Sunday 10th November this year. On Remembrance Sunday, there is a national service of remembrance held in London. At this event:

• People who have served in the Armed forces and the emergency services participate in a parade.

• The Royal Family, the prime minister and others lay wreaths of poppies on the Cenotaph

• There is another two-minute silence

A photograph of Remembrance Sunday in London in 2021. King Charles (the prince at this time) is handed the wreath to place on the Cenotaph

Why is the two-minute silence so important?

Remembrance Day can be very personal. You may know of a family member who served in the armed forces or who died in a conflict. The two-minute silence allows time to reflect and thank those who have lost their lives defending the freedoms that we enjoy today. For example, on Remembrance Day I pay tribute to two of my grandparents who served in the Second World War. 

Even if you do not have a personal connection to Remembrance, you should use the time to reflect on the continued sacrifices of people around the world who are fighting to defend their rights. Therefore, it is so important to be respectful of the two-minute silence on Remembrance.

The Poppy & Remembrance

Why does the poppy play such an important part in Remembrance? 

The First World War caused much damage and destruction where it was fought. The use of artillery shells and trench warfare ruined the land in France and Belgium, where the Western Front was. Despite all the destruction, one plant thrived: the Flanders poppy. The beauty of the poppy inspired soldiers to write poems such as ‘In Flanders Field’ by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. The poppy became a powerful symbol of resilience and peace after the First World War. 

The Royal British Legion, the organisation that leads the national Remembrance Day in the UK, continue to use the poppy today. Every year, they sell paper or metal poppies which people can wear to commemorate Remembrance Day. The Royal British Legion use the money raised from the Poppy Appeal each year to support soldiers, ex-soldiers and their families. 

A photograph showing a Remembrance display I saw at the Tower of London in 2014. The display had 888,246 ceramic poppies, representing the number of British military deaths during the First World War

Remembrance Day 2024

This year marked 80 years since the D-Day landings in the Second World War making 2024 an important year of commemoration. The D-Day landings were a significant turning point in the Second World War. In 1941, the power of Nazi Germany had forced British troops to leave Europe and evacuate from Dunkirk, to defend Britain. The D-Day landings, on 6th June 1944, marked Britain’s return to Europe and the beginning of the end for Hitler and Nazi Germany. The Second World War ended 11 months after D-Day, showing its significance in ending the conflict. 

However, D-Day is not the only event to be remembered in 2024. It is also 80 years since the battles of Kohima and Imphal, key conflicts between the Japanese and a combined British and Indian army. The victory was key to the liberation of Burma (Myanmar) in August 1945.

Why is Remembrance Day still important in 2024?

Sometimes, it is hard to see why events well before our lifetime are important. Without the sacrifice of millions of people in the past, we would not live the life that we do today. 

Remembrance is all about remembering. Remembering the people in your family who may have served or died in a conflict. Remembering the sacrifices the world makes during war. Remembering the importance of peace. In 2024, when conflicts are happening around the globe, Remembrance Day holds even more power. Remembrance is a symbol of hope that the world can experience long-lasting peace.

Remembrance Day at Save My Exams

Learn more about the history of Remembrance Day using Save My Exams. Our revision resources are written by teachers and examiners. That means notes, questions by topic and worked solutions that show exactly what the examiners for each specific exam are looking for.

Whether you need to know about the armistice of the First World War or Germany in the Second World War, we’ve got you covered.

References:

What is Remembrance | Royal British Legion

All about the poppy | Remembrance | Royal British Legion

Poppy Appeal | Armed Forces Charity | Royal British Legion

Remembrance | Get Involved | Royal British Legion

D-Day: What is it and why is it important? - BBC Newsround

Battles of Kohima and Imphal