Armistice Day

By Adesua Alabi

It’s the time of year when we see politicians, celebrities and royalty on the news are wearing red poppies to commemorate remembrance or Armistice Day. Armistice Day is celebrated in the commonwealth countries on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month and marks the end of the First World War.

This year Armistice Day is on Tuesday 11th November. On this day a two minutes silence takes place to remember and honour over 1 million commonwealth service men and women that have fought and died in the First World War and is an opportunity to remember those who are still fighting in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan, defending our country to the present day. The Royal British Legion has a poppy appeal and all of the donations go towards supporting those who were injured in battle and the general welfare of service men and women, nationally 51 million was spent in 2013 to fund the welfare on those in need.

The poppy is used to commemorate the war as it was the only thing that survived on the battlefields of Flanders and other places where some of the bloodiest battles took place. Many people have written poems about what Armistice days means to them as losses are felt by many across the commonwealth. The poppy symbolises life, colour, and hope and reassures those who are still fighting, making it a fitting symbol for the occasion. Wreaths, broaches of poppies and other memorabilia are worn by those who choose to and reflects personal memories and feelings.

At the Tower of London a total of 888,246 poppies have been installed by families who have lost loved ones in WW1 or in battles while defending their country. Across 4 months people have come to the Tower of London to lay a poppy in memory of someone or as a sign of gratitude and respect, leaving a powerful visual reminder of the First World War Centenary as part of the Every Man Remembered act. It is a time where all people regardless of social status or race come together to honour and reflect on the bravery and sacrifices made by those who died in the centenary for the safety and security of our country.  

For me Armistice Day is a chance to show my respect towards those who fought for the safety of the country that I live and learn in. Although none of my family members, that I am aware of, have died in the First World War I know of others that have lost loved ones and of course it will have a different meaning and significance to each person.

 All in all Armistice Day is a opportunity to reflect on many things like the deaths of loved ones who died in the war but may not have fought on the frontline or the deaths of loved ones in general and provides a time of peace and congeniality.