Key Vocabulary
1. Remembrance Sunday – An annual day in the UK to honour and remember those who died in wars, especially the First and Second World Wars.
2. Cenotaph – A war memorial on Whitehall in London, England. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, it was unveiled in 1920 as the United Kingdom’s national memorial to the dead of Britain and the British Empire of the First World War, was rededicated in 1946 to include those of the Second World War, and has since come to represent the Commonwealth casualties from those and subsequent conflicts.
3. Poppy – A red flower symbolising remembrance for those who served in war. People wear it on their clothing in the days leading up to Remembrance Sunday.
4. Armistice – An agreement made by warring parties to stop fighting. The First World War’s armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, marking the end of the war.
5. Two-Minute Silence – A period of silence observed at 11 a.m. to honour the memory of those who lost their lives.
6. Veterans – People who have served in the armed forces.
About Remembrance Sunday
Remembrance Sunday is observed in the UK on the second Sunday in November. It is a time for people to honour those who sacrificed their lives in wars, including World War I and World War II. The day includes various ceremonies, including one at the Cenotaph in London. During this ceremony, veterans, political leaders, and members of the royal family lay wreaths of red poppies as a tribute to fallen soldiers.
In the days leading up to Remembrance Sunday, you’ll notice many people wearing a red poppy. This tradition began after World War I and was inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields.” The poppy symbolizes both the devastation of war and hope for a peaceful future.
At 11 a.m. on Remembrance Sunday, a two-minute silence is observed across the country. This moment marks the time the armistice was signed in 1918, ending World War I. The silence is a time for people to reflect on the costs of war and to remember those who fought bravely for freedom.
Remembrance Sunday is not only about remembering the past; it’s also a time to think about peace and the importance of preventing future conflicts. Schools, communities, and public organizations often hold their own events, and people of all ages participate in this tradition to honour those who served.
Comprehension Check
1. What is the Cenotaph, and why is it significant on Remembrance Sunday?
2. Why do people wear poppies during Remembrance events?
3. What time does the two-minute silence begin on Remembrance Sunday, and what does it commemorate?
4. What is the purpose of observing Remembrance Sunday?
Princess Kate at Festival of Remembrance
I highly recommend watching the documentary below on the history of Remembrance Day. It provides valuable insight into the events that led to the end of the First World War, giving you a deeper understanding of this significant day. The video is suitable for B2-C1 students because of the level of vocabulary in the video. I suggest switching on the subtitles.
For more information on this day, read another post here. Click the button below.
