Lest We Forget: Remembrance Day and Why It Still Matters

Every year on 11 November, people in many countries pause to remember those who died in war. In Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and other Commonwealth countries, the day is known as Remembrance Day (or Armistice Day). In the United States, 11 November is Veterans Day, which honours all who have served.

The history

The date marks the anniversary of the Armistice signed between the Allies and Germany, which ended the fighting of the First World War on the Western Front. Hostilities ceased at 11 o'clock on the morning of 11 November 1918, often remembered as the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

The first anniversary was marked in 1919. Over time, the day came to honour those who died not only in the First World War but in the Second World War and later conflicts.

The two-minute silence

In many countries, people observe a silence, often two minutes, at 11 a.m. on 11 November. Many communities also hold services at war memorials on the nearest Sunday, known in the UK as Remembrance Sunday.

The poppy

The red poppy is the best-known symbol of remembrance. Its association with war comes partly from the fact that poppies grew on disturbed ground in the battlefields of Flanders and northern France during and after the First World War.

The symbol was popularised by the poem "In Flanders Fields", written in May 1915 by John McCrae, a Canadian doctor and soldier, after the death of a friend during the Second Battle of Ypres. The poem, which begins with poppies blowing between the crosses, was published later that year and became one of the most famous poems of the war. McCrae himself died of illness in January 1918.

Inspired by the poem, campaigners including the American teacher Moina Michael promoted the poppy as a symbol of remembrance. Today, poppies are sold in many countries to raise funds for veterans and their families.

Why it still matters

As the generations who lived through the world wars pass away, some wonder whether Remembrance Day still matters. Many people believe it does, for several reasons:

Honouring sacrifice. Millions of people died in the world wars and in conflicts since. Remembering them is a way of acknowledging their lives and losses.
Supporting veterans. Many people living today have served in conflicts and may carry physical and psychological wounds.
Reflecting on the cost of war. Remembrance invites reflection on the human cost of conflict and the value of peace.
Connecting generations. Learning about family members who served can help younger people connect with history.

Ways to take part

Observe the silence at 11 a.m.
Wear a poppy and support veterans' organisations.
Attend a service at a local war memorial.
Learn about local history: names on memorials, family stories, local regiments.
Read the poetry of the First World War, including "In Flanders Fields".
Talk with children about why the day matters, in age-appropriate ways.
Support veterans' charities through donations or volunteering.

A personal reflection

Remembrance can also be a time for personal reflection: on peace, gratitude and the freedoms many of us enjoy. It can prompt us to think about how we resolve conflicts in our own lives and communities.

Try this

On 11 November, take two minutes at 11 a.m. to pause and reflect. If you can, find out about one person named on a local war memorial.