Country File UNITED KINGDOM: Remembrance Day

“The tumult and the shouting dies;
The Captains and the Kings depart:
Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice,
An humble and a contrite heart.
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget—lest we forget!”
(Rudyard Kipling)

On 11 November, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, other Commonwealth of Nations countries as well as several non-Commonwealth nations observe the annual Remembrance Day (also known as Armistice Day or Poppy Day) to commemorate the sacrifices armed forces members made when dying in the line of duty. 

Armistice of Compiègne

The 1918 Armistice brought an end to the hostilities on the Western Front in World War I, and the fighting ceased at 11:00 am on the 11th day of November, the 11th month. This moment has been called the 11th Hour.

Among the core traditions and symbolism surrounding Remembrance Day is the Remembrance Poppy as the universal symbol of the day. Inspired by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae’s famous war poem 'In Flanders Fields' (1915), artificial poppies are worn on clothing to symbolize the sacrifices of soldiers. 

Leonhard Cohen recites 'In Flanders Fields' by John McCrae

The Two-Minute Silence: At exactly 11:00 AM on 11 November, millions of people pause for a period of silence to pay their respects.

Particularly in the UK, the major national ceremonies—including the laying of wreaths by the Royal Family and politicians at the Cenotaph in Whitehall—take place on the second Sunday of November, a day known as Remembrance Sunday.

The U.S. also marks 11 November but renamed the holiday Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all military veterans, rather than exclusively focusing on the war dead.