It was a letter in the London Evening News which first proposed the possibility of paying respects to those who gave their lives in war with a short period of silent, respectful reflection. The Royal British Legion (RBL) is a national champion of Remembrance, as part of this role we work to ensure that those who gave their lives for peace and freedom are remembered. On 15th May 1921, The Royal British Legion was formed to raise money for those affected by WWI by the simple act of buying and wearing a poppy. Poppies were inspired by a Canadian poet and an American academic. Additionally, we launched a virtual Field of Remembrance, where supporters virtually added Tributes from the comfort of their homes to remember the fallen.

100 years of Remembrance | RBL 100 Centenary | Royal British 100 years of Remembrance | RBL 100 Centenary | Royal British

The reason it’s called a Cenotaph is because the name describes a monument to honour those who have died and are buried in another location and comes from the Greek word for ‘empty tomb’. Our staff, members and supporters champion Remembrance in villages, towns and cities across the world. Photography is permitted, but the Metropolitan Police have powers to remove obstacles (such as camera tripods) where they obstruct public access or views. We ask spectators not to take photographs during the two-­minute silence when shutter noises can offend. The poem inspired American academic, Moina Michael, to campaign for the poppy to become an official symbol of remembrance across the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK. Her cause was helped by Anna Guérin, who persuaded the founder of the British Legion, the former Field Marshal Douglas Haig, now Earl Haig, to adopt the poppy as an emblem of British remembrance. Uniformed public services (police, fire brigade, ambulance services, St John Ambulance, Red Cross etc)Fallen heroes represent the character of a nation who has a long history of patriotism and honor.” – Michael N. Castle

Remembrance Day | Australian War Memorial Remembrance Day | Australian War Memorial

The National Service of Remembrance, held at The Cenotaph in Whitehall on Remembrance Sunday, provides the nation with a physical reminder of all those who have served and sacrificed, with British and Commonwealth soldiers, sailors, airmen and women represented, together with members of the emergency services and civilians, ensuring that no-one is forgotten. Members of the Royal Family will pay tribute alongside Members of the Cabinet, Opposition Party leaders, former Prime Ministers, as well as the Mayor of London and other ministers. Adhere to any relevant COVID-19 safety measures in place at the event, including observing directions given by stewards. From: Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport Published 29 October 2021 Last updated We are responsible for organising national, regional, and sometimes local ceremonies of Remembrance to reflect the nation's belief that the human cost of war should not be forgotten.As any carer accompanying a veteran will be included within the 10,000-attendance cap; where appropriate, the option of one veteran assisting another for the duration of the dispersal should be considered. Our network of overseas branches and volunteers may be available to place a wreath on your behalf at a number of cemeteries around the world.