Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday first started in 1919 as a way to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in the First World War (1914-1918).
The traditions have continued into the modern day with nationwide events and the annual Poppy Appeal becoming synonymous with them.
Remembrance Day was first inaugurated by King George V as families grappled with the unfathomable loss experienced during the bloody conflict which ended a year earlier.
With the commemoration now returning for another year, here is everything you need to know about how and why it is marked.
Why is Remembrance Day on November 11?
According to the Royal British Legion, Remembrance Day takes place on November 11 as this is the day that the Armistice, an agreement to end fighting during the Great War, was signed.
The Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, and came into effect at 11am.
On Remembrance Day, people across the country take part in a two-minute silence at 11am.
How do we commemorate Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday?
Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday are commemorated in many ways, including through ceremonies, poppy-wearing and a two-minute silence.
Wearing poppies
While poppies did not become a Remembrance tradition until 1921, they have since become an integral part of the commemoration.
The poppy was chosen as a symbol by Earl Haig as it was the only flower left growing on the battlefields of France and Belgium after the war.
Recommended Reading:
What is Remembrance Day and why do we take part in it?
Remembrance Day: Why we wear poppies and when to start wearing them
Ceremonies
Remembrance Ceremonies are held up and down the country in various towns and cities.
These see soldiers, cadets, veterans, local and national politicians, and community leaders come together to honour the war dead.
The largest such event is at the Cenotaph in London where members of the Royal Family, the Prime Minister and other party leaders lay wreaths.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel