At 11am on Wednesday 11 November, people across the country will stop what they’re doing for two minutes’ silence. All of us at Banya will be pausing too.
How Remembrance Day began
The First World War ended with an armistice at 11am on 11 November 1918: the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. A year later, King George V asked the nation to fall silent for two minutes on the anniversary, and the tradition has continued ever since.
Who we remember
Remembrance began with the First World War, but today it honours everyone who has served and died in the armed forces, in the Second World War and in the conflicts since, from Korea and the Falklands to Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s also a time to think of the families left behind, and of those who came home changed by what they’d been through.
On Remembrance Sunday, which took place this year on November 8th, veterans march past the Cenotaph in London, wreaths are laid, and services take place at war memorials in towns and villages across the country.
The poppy
The red poppy, sold by the Royal British Legion to support the armed forces community, is the symbol of remembrance. Poppies were among the first flowers to grow again on the battlefields of the First World War.
Alongside the red poppy, some people wear a white one. White poppies were first made in 1933 by the Co-operative Women’s Guild, many of whom had lost husbands, sons and brothers in the First World War. Today they’re distributed by the Peace Pledge Union.
The white poppy remembers all victims of war, including civilians, alongside a hope for peace. Some people wear it instead of a red poppy, and others wear both.
Why it can feel bigger for children in care
Most children will mark the silence at school, and many come home with questions. Remembrance is about loss, and many children in foster care have experienced loss of their own. A day spent talking about people who are gone can quietly stir up feelings about people they miss. They may not say so directly, but it might show in their mood or behaviour later on.
For children who have fled conflict, including unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, the day can be harder still. Uniforms, flags or talk of battles may bring back painful memories. The white poppy, which remembers civilians and stands for peace, may feel closer to their own experience, so it’s worth offering as a choice.
Opening up the conversation
A simple question after school is often enough:
- “What did you do for Remembrance today?”
- “What did it make you think about?”
- “Is there anyone you’d like to remember?”
Then let them lead. Answer questions about war honestly and simply, and it’s fine to say “I don’t know, let’s find out”. If it brings up a lot for them, let their social worker know so they can be supported.
We will remember them.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday?
Remembrance Day (also called Armistice Day) is always 11 November, whatever day of the week it falls on. Remembrance Sunday is the second Sunday in November, when the national service is held at the Cenotaph and services take place at war memorials around the country.
Is Remembrance Day a bank holiday in the UK?
No. Schools and workplaces stay open, but many pause for the two-minute silence at 11am.
When should you wear a poppy?
Most people wear one from when the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal launches in late October until 11 November. There are no strict rules, though.
Can you wear a red and a white poppy together?
Yes. Some people wear both, to remember those who served and all victims of war. There’s no rule about which poppy you should wear.
What does a purple poppy mean?
Purple poppies remember the animals that served and died in war, such as horses, dogs and pigeons.
Can armed forces veterans become foster carers?
Yes. Veterans and armed forces families often make great foster carers, bringing skills like routine, resilience and teamwork. If you’ve served and are thinking about fostering, Banya would love to hear from you.
