Moving Around English: What is Remembrance Day?

Sunday, 10 November 2013

At 11am men, women and children all across Britain hold a two minute silence to remember the millions who have died in war.

The silence is usually observed at war memorials, cenotaphs, religious services and shopping centres throughout the country.

The Royal Family, along with top politicians and religious leaders, gather at The Cenotaph in Whitehall, London, for a service.

What is Armistice Day?

Armistice Day is on 11 November. It's also known as Remembrance Day.

A two minute silence is observed at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month because this is when World War I, or the Great War, ended in 1918.

But now, this anniversary is used to remember all the people who've died in wars since World War I.

Soldiers observing the two minutes silence.

This includes World War II, the Falklands War, the Gulf War, and conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The first two minute silence in Britain was held on 11 November 1919, when King George V asked the public to observe a silence at 11am.

This was one year after the end of World War I.

He made the request so "the thoughts of everyone may be concentrated on reverent remembrance of the glorious dead".

The week before 11 November, you'll see people on the TV and in the streets wearing a poppy. But what are they for?

Poppies are red flowers which are worn to show others that you are remembering those who died for their country.

The reason poppies are used is because they are the flowers which grew on the battlefields after World War I ended.

Poppies are also used to raise money for servicemen and women who are still alive but whose lives have been changed by war.

The charity that runs the Poppy Appeal is called The Royal British Legion.

Each year, volunteers will sell these poppies in the street all over Britain.

You can decide how much money you want to give to the poppy sellers.

From CBBC newsround