Poppies are sold to help ex-service men and women and their dependents in times of need.
At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month 1918, the First World War came to an end. This day is called Armistice Day (an armistice is an agreement to stop fighting); in America, it is called Veterans' Day. At 11 o'clock on the 11th November each year, people stop and remember all of those who have fought and died in wars from the First World War onwards, to help to keep us safe. We do this by holding a 2 minute silence.
Many people also wear a poppy. The Poppy Appeal raises money to help members and former members of the armed forces and their families in times of need. They help in many ways. You can find out more by visiting www.poppy.org.uk
In the U.K. we don't have a bank holiday for 11th November (although many people observe the 2 minute silence at 11 0'clock), so the nearest Sunday to that date is the day when most special services are held in churches and at war memorials all over the country. This is called Remembrance Sunday.
The Cenotaph
The most famous of Remembrance Sunday services takes place at the Cenotaph in London. Thousands of people gather and take part in a special parade and members of the royal family, along with politicians, religious leaders and military leaders lay poppy wreaths on the Cenotaph. The word 'cenotaph' means 'empty tomb'.
Poppies falling at the Royal Albert Hall
Another important Remembrance event is the Festival of Remembrance which is held at the Royal Albert Hall on the day before Remembrance Sunday. The Queen attends and it is broadcast on television in the evening. The most poignant part of the festival is the two minute silence when thousands of poppy petals are released from the ceiling to fall onto the ground, each one representing a soldier who lost his/her life in action.
'Remembering' by Virginia May
This is an ideal book to use when talking to young children about Remembrance Sunday.
ISBN 0-09-176687-7
Please see the First Grade page for more information.
You can watch the 2011 Festival of Remembrance from the Royal Albert Hall here http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/b01772k1/
You can also watch the Remembrance Service from the Cenotaph here http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/b01772nn/
You can also watch the Remembrance Service from the Cenotaph here http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/b01772nn/