How the Armed Forces lead the nation in marking Remembrance
Every member of the Armed Forces community has a personal connection to the theme of Remembrance.
Many of them have made their own sacrifices on operations around the world. Some of them have lost colleagues or family members in conflict. All of them are inspired by the sacrifices made by previous generations of the Armed Forces.
Here’s how the Armed Forces pay respect to fallen personnel at Remembrance time every November.
Supporting the Poppy Appeal
The Royal British Legion raises millions of pounds for the Armed Forces community during its annual Poppy Appeal.
Millions of people wear a poppy to show their support for the Armed Forces community and to pay respect to those who have died in conflict.
When you buy a poppy, you make a valuable donation to the Royal British Legion, which in turn supports veterans, service personnel and their loved ones.
Thousands of members of the Armed Forces sell poppies and collect donations to support the Poppy Appeal every year, accompanied by military bands.
Remembrance around the UK
Communities across the UK hold Remembrance services and parades on Remembrance Sunday to pay respect to the fallen.
They take place at war memorials and places of worship around the country. Many veterans and members of the Armed Forces take part in their local service.
Uniformed Armed Forces personnel and military musicians often provide ceremonial support to the Remembrance parades, such as by raising the Union Flag, performing the Last Post on the bugle or playing the national anthem.
You can also see members of the Armed Forces leading a minute’s silence at major sporting fixtures on the weekend of Remembrance Sunday.
Remembrance around the world
UK Armed Forces personnel deployed on operations overseas this November will pause to mark Remembrance in operational theatres around the world.
Many of them will hold their own Remembrance parades and observe the two minute silence at 11am on 11 November.
They will be joined by service personnel from the UK’s allies and partners around the world, showing the mutual respect between the UK and the nations it serves alongside.
Major anniversaries
At Remembrance time society pays respect to members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives during the First World War and in all wars since. Often, the anniversaries of major conflicts are marked at Remembrance time.
Throughout 2022, the Armed Forces community has marked the 40th anniversary of the Falklands Conflict. Forty years ago, the UK Armed Forces defended the Falklands Islands from an attack by the Argentinian military and 255 UK service personnel lost their lives.
This year, a Royal Air Force aircraft will carry veterans of the Falklands Conflict and bereaved family members back to the Falkland Islands to take part in Remembrance ceremonies 40 years on.
This is just one way the Armed Forces will pay respect to their predecessors, who continue to inspire their work.
The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance
The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall is an annual highlight of the Remembrance period.
The Armed Forces lead members of the royal family and the audience in a cultural tribute to those who gave their lives serving their country.
You can watch or listen to the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance on BBC One and BBC Radio 2 on Saturday 12 November 2022.
The National Service of Remembrance
Perhaps the most famous act of Remembrance each year is the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph on Whitehall, London.
The service features music by military musicians, wreaths laid by senior members of the Armed Forces, politicians and the royal family, and a march past the Cenotaph by military veterans.
The service will be broadcast live on Sunday 13 November on BBC One.
