On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, people across Britain gather to silently remember the sacrifices of all who have fallen, and are still falling, to the bitter conflicts of war.
“Lest We Forget”: a slogan plastered across shopfronts, social media pages, and even buses, is what many say as a pledge to remember the lives of the countless men and women who have lost their lives serving in our military.
Commemorating the honourable sacrifices of these people has been a key aspect of British tradition since the end of the First World War, and while many still attend services and respect the 2-minute silence, how many truly take time to reflect on how grateful they are (or should be) for all who serve to protect their country and freedom?
This year, Remembrance Sunday services took place everywhere across Britain, and as cadets flooded the streets, and veterans gathered in solidarity of their fallen allies, it seemed for a moment that not all had been forgotten.
At Clacton-on-Sea’s service, a diverse, yet humble, crowd gathered on the promenade to see the laying of the wreaths, and to collectively pray for the lives of those lost, and those who are still fighting in areas like the Middle East and Ukraine.
For many, the significance of this day has not been forgotten, but the numbers of people attending these services are dwindling.
But why is this?
Despite being an apolitical endeavour, some groups protest the traditional practises of Remembrance Sunday, with organisations like the Peace Pledge Union (the PPU) encouraging the masses to wear a white poppy, rather than the traditional red.
Through this, the PPU intends to campaign for peace, and “challenge militarism” and the “glorification of war.”
Although wearing the red poppy acts to honour the soldiers and civilians that have lost their lives to conflict, it does not glorify the horrors of war that they had to endure throughout their service.
Regardless of political views, respecting those who have fought, and who continue to fight to protect Britain and allow it to prosper, is essential to keeping the nation united and afloat.
Let us not forget the people who have given their lives for our freedom, safety, and future.
