Remembrance Sunday in the UK Date in the current year: November 10, 2024
Remembrance Sunday is an annual observance in the United Kingdom that was established to commemorate servicemen and women in WWI, WWII and later conflicts. It is held on the Sunday nearest to Armistice Day, i.e. on the second Sunday in November.Armistice Day is the anniversary of the end of World War I. From 1919 to 1945, it was the only day of commemoration in the UK. After World War II, Remembrance Sunday replaced Armistice Day, but since 1995 it has become common to hold remembrance ceremonies on both days.
Remembrance Day in the UK is marked by remembrance ceremonies attended by government officials, ex-servicemen and servicewomen, members of armed forces units, military cadets, and members of youth organizations.
People who attend ceremonies usually wear remembrance poppies. A poppy has been used to commemorate soldiers killed in the conflict for decades, the symbol was inspired by the war poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae.
The ceremonies begin on 11 a.m., they include laying of wreaths preceded by two minutes' silence. The national ceremony is held at the Cenotaph on Whitehall, London. The first wreath is laid by the Queen, followed by other members of the Royal Family.
Remind me with Google CalendarCategory
- Anniversaries and Memorial Days
Country
- United Kingdom
Tags
- Remembrance Sunday in the UK, holidays in the UK, day of remembrance, Armistice Day, remembrance poppy