2. The guns and the killing of the First World War
(1914-1918) ended on 11th November at 11
o'clock 1918.
It was named ‘Armistice Day’.
And since then the 11th November has become a
time of ‘remembrance’ for soldiers and civilians
who have died in wars across the world.
3. Every year at the eleventh hour on the eleventh
day of the eleventh month we remember the end
of the First World War.
We also remember soldiers and civilians who have
died since the First World War and are still
dying in wars today.
As an act of remembrance and respect a two
minute silence is held at 11am.
5. The first two minute silence in Britain was held on
11th November 1919, when King George V asked
the public to observe a silence at 11am.
This was one year after the end of the First
World War.
King George said, “The thoughts of everyone may
be concentrated on reverent remembrance of the
glorious dead."
6. The week before 11th
November, you'll see
lots of people wearing
a poppy. Poppies are
red flowers which are
worn to show others
that you are:
‘remembering’ those
who died for their
country.
7. The reason poppies are worn is because they are
the flowers which grew on the battlefields during
and after the First World War ended.
Poppies have become a symbol of:
‘remembrance’ peace and a representation of
fallen soldiers, especially for the First World
War.
Poppies still grow there today.
8. Each year, volunteers will sell
poppies all over Britain.
These volunteers belong to an
organisation called the Royal
British Legion.
9. Many soldiers were killed on the battlefield.
Their bodies were not always brought home.
These soldiers are buried in Commonwealth war
grave cemeteries.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission
cares for war graves all over the world.
14. During and after a war,
some soldiers’ bodies
are never found. They
have no grave.
They are not forgotten;
their names are written
on stone memorials
within war cemeteries.
