Remembrance 2024: A collection of decorations to commemorate

Armistice Day, also known as Remembrance Day, takes place on the 11th of November to mark the end of the First World War in 1918. It commemorates the soldiers and civilians who died in armed conflicts. This day is observed by people across the United Kingdom and many Commonwealth countries.

Knitted figures of a soldier and a nurse stand side by side, symbolising unity, sacrifice, and remembrance | Silvia Barcia

On Remembrance Sunday, the closest Sunday to the 11th of November, people gather to attend ceremonies and acts of commemoration. According to Poppyscotland, these include speeches, the recitation of poems such as The Exhortation and the Kohima Epitaph, and various types of ceremonial music, including The Last Post, A Piper’s Lament, and Reveille. These are often accompanied by a two-minute silence to reflect and pay tribute to the fallen. The acts of commemoration are usually organised by The Royal British Legion.

Poppy wreaths laid at a war memorial at night, honoring those who fell in combat in Stirling | Silvia Barcia

In addition, poppy wreaths are laid at memorials as a symbolic gesture of remembrance. The red poppy was inspired by the poem In Flanders Fields by John McCrae and has become the central emblem of this day. Charities such as Poppyscotland and Cruse Scotland sell poppies to raise funds for veterans and their families. On this occasion, the government also illuminates major monuments and important buildings to show national respect and solidarity.

A display for the Scottish Poppy Appeal, featuring poppies, donation boxes, and remembrance materials | Silvia Barcia

Sukanna Naqvi, a student from Canada, explains how in her school they organize an assembly every year to speak about this day and honor the people who fought in the army. Naqvi states that there is a big difference between Scotland and her country, as she saw messages at the mall and in different store fronts. "It is more detailed in Scotland than it is in Canada because it has a stronger sense of community," she says.