Every year in the UK on 11th November we honour members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives in battle. In the weeks leading up to 11th November, The Royal British Legion Charity sell paper Poppy Flowers to raise funds for veterans and their families.  You may see them being sold in Schools, Shops and in the street (the poppy is a symbol of Remembrance Day.) 

Red poppies became such an important symbol for two main reasons. The first is because of the poppies ability to grow naturally in difficult conditions. By the end of 1914, the fields in France and Flanders had been battered and torn apart by the war. The poppy was one of the only plants that could grow naturally on the barren earth of the battlefields.  Remembrance Day is to remember soldiers involved in all wars, not just the First and Second World Wars. 

It is customary to observe a two-minute silence at 11am on the 11th November (a mark of respect) no matter where in the country you are. If you’re in a shop, on a bus, in a cafe, etc. Some people may even ‘shush’ you if you continue talking.  Please be considerate and remain silent. 

Students that are in London may see the parade that takes place where veterans lay a wreath of poppies.  This is televised as well.  You can find more information about the parade by clicking on the links below: 

Remembrance Sunday | Remembrance Events | Royal British Legion  

National Service of Remembrance: Sunday 12 November 2023 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Top Tips for international students: 

• Remain silent for 2 minutes on 11th November, 11am.  No matter where you are or what you are doing.  
• You may want to wear a poppy to remember all those who have died in conflict (including your own home country) 
• Understand the background to this annual British tradition