Armistice Day

During the First World War, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous fighting. In many parts of the world, people observe a two-minute silence at 11am on 11 November and wear a poppy to remember those who have died for their country.

In 2014 at the Tower of London there was a special poppy installation to mark the centenary year of the start of WW1 and RLD’s very own Gemma was lucky enough to be a volunteer and help mark the special anniversary. Gemma’s great grandfather fought in WW2 and Gemma’s participation was an opportunity for her to pay her respects, to remember his part as well as that of the other service men and women who did, still do and will fight for their country to ensure our freedom.

In 2015, Model Millie Mackintosh got involved with the remembrance message by teaming up with designed Giles Deacon to model his poppy dress – a garment made of 100 silk poppies which took 72 hours to create. The custom-made piece seeks to inspire people to tell their stories behind why they wear the poppy. Millie wanted to highlight the The Royal British Legion for the work they do, as her “great-grandfather, Lieutenant Douglas Mackintosh lost his leg while serving our country in the First World War”.

Sainsbury’s launched their first ever stick on poppy in 2015 as an extra way of supporting the Poppy Appeal and the British Legion. Online customers raised £19k by donating as part of their online grocery shop and receiving a stick-on poppy with their delivery.  Sainsbury’s also accept all poppies for recycling at the end of the campaign.

This year the country stood together with Prime Minister Theresa May to support the England and Scotland football teams challenge of a FIFA sanction against wearing the poppy symbol. The teams met at Wembley on 11 November, poppies proudly displayed, willing to accept any pumishment. Sometimes principles come first.

This year is is expected that an overwhelming 45 million people are expected to wear a poppy this year. Why do you wear yours? Share your story using #MyPoppy! Check out the RLD Pinterest  for ways to wear your poppy.

Images and Video: Gemma for RLD, Uncle Jonny Thing via Instagram,The Royal British Leigon via Youtube and Jordan Rabjohn via Instagram