A red poppy for the war dead
A red poppy on the chest of all the English in memory of the fallen in war. Just look around to see dozens of people with this characteristic pin but also in cars or motorcycles. “It is almost an obligation for the British to wear poppies,” Victoria explains. "If you don't, people look bad at you." Today, 11 November, in fact, in England, Remembrance Day or Poppy Day is celebrated, to commemorate 11 November 1918, the day on which the First World War ended.
But why the poppy?
“On the fields of Flanders poppies sprout among the crosses, row after row”. So says the poem by Canadian John McCrae who was responsible for the institution of the flower as a symbol of the people who have fallen for their homeland. In fact it seems that this flower grew in war fields and also the red color refers to that of blood.
Buttonhole pins, T-shirts and bracelets are sold almost everywhere in London and the proceeds go to charity to support veterans or families who have lost loved ones in conflicts.
The eleventh of the eleventh month of the year at 11
Every year at eleven on 11 November in the United Kingdom there is two minutes of silence to remember all the victims of war. It is therefore not only the First World War but also all the others such as the Second, those in Iraq and Afghanistan. This custom was established by King George V in 1919 and continues to this day. “For us English it is a very important celebration, even the Queen participates in the events. It is also very sad, however, as it remembers those who died in the conflicts ". Victoria explains again.
The "Remebrance Day" in London
As every year in London the Festival of Remembrance will be held at the Royal Albert Hall. In the presence of the queen, the royal family, Emili Sande, Tom Odell and other guests, this important celebration will take place, broadcast on the BBC television channel. Even more important for the British is the Sunday Remembrance, every second Sunday in November and which this year is 12, just one day after Poppy Day. There are several events scheduled. A wreath of poppies is placed at all the war memorials. In London the most important event will be at the Whitehall Cenotaph in the presence of the royal family. A big parade will follow. Concerts, religious services and other commemorative events will also be held throughout the city.
So don't forget to buy your poppy and remember all the soldiers who fought in wars and unfortunately lost their lives. Young men whose life has been interrupted by a fatal event as only conflicts can be, often leaving families, children, wives. In fact, wars are something useless in which everyone still loses and no one wins. Never.
