Remembrance Sunday
Remembrance Sunday is an observance day observed on the second Sunday in November in the United Kingdom. It is a day to remember and honor the achievements and sacrifices made by both military and civilian servicemen during past wars. It is a day marked with somber remembrance and with many services all over the U.K.
United Kingdom (Observance)History of Remembrance Sunday
From the end of WWI to the end of WWII, Armistice Day was originally the day used to observe the achievements and the sacrifices of those who served in past wars, and this day was always observed on November 11. However, in 1995, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II, ceremonies were held on both Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.
Remembrance Sunday Customs & Celebrations
On this day, people stop whatever they are doing and observe a moment of silence at 11 am. November 11, 1918, at 11 am was when hostilities formally ended during the First World War.
People also wear poppies or poppy-like pins to show respect for fallen soldiers and to pay tribute to their sacrifices and achievements. Throughout this day, there are memorial services, parades, speeches, and church services.
In central London, a national commemoration takes place every year at Whitehall. Many people visit the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire because it has over two hundred different memorials, which includes the Armed Forces Memorial.
This Arboretum is a very impressive reminder of the sacrifices of those who serve their country and receives over a quarter of a million visitors a year. On Remembrance Sunday, extra services are held there.
Other people decide to visit one of the other 100,000 war memorials that can be found in the United Kingdom. On Remembrance Sunday, wreaths are placed on many of the soldiers’ graves.
United Kingdom (Observance)
