Remembrance Day 2022: when was it first commemorated, when is Remembrance Sunday, and why do we wear a poppy?

Remembrance Day is a time of national reflection as we remember those who have fought and paid the ultimate sacrifice for us in conflicts of the past. The day has grown into an annual day of solemn remembrance for those caught up in some of the most horrendous man-made events in human history.

The day is marked on November 11, whilst Remembrance Sunday falls on the Sunday closest to November 11. In 2022, this is Sunday November 13.

According to the Royal British Legion, the timing of the period of silence has its origins based over a century ago. At 11am on November 11, 1918, the First World War drew to a close. Millions of people had died on both sides, and a peace agreement was signed bringing the bloodshed to an end.

At this time, a pre-arranged Armistice came into effect and for the next weeks and months, a detailed peace settlement was worked out by leaders of the Allied nations. After four years of war, peace broke out around the world.

Each November 11 since, a period of silence has been marked at 11am to reflect on the sacrifice made by soldiers in the trenches of the First World War and those of other conflicts since.

Why do we wear a poppy?

The universal symbol of Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday is the poppy. A red and black flower which has come to symbolise the hopelessness of war and the importance of remembering those who paid the ultimate price.