Remembrance Day

In the UK, Remembrance Day is observed annually on the second Sunday of November. It has its roots in Armistice Day, which is commemorated on November 11—the date marking the signing of the armistice that ended the First World War in 1918. Originally, Armistice Day was dedicated to honoring the Commonwealth soldiers who died in the First World War. However, its significance expanded after the devastation of the Second World War. Today, Remembrance Day serves as a time to remember all British and Commonwealth service members who have lost their lives in all conflicts around the world since the First World War.

Commemorations in Rushcliffe

Commemorative events will take place in parishes across Rushcliffe on Sunday 9 November.

Rushcliffe Borough Council will host an Armistice Service on the Croquet Lawn, Central Avenue, West Bridgford on Tuesday 11 November from 10.45am.

When was the first Remembrance Day?

Spontaneous celebrations broke out across the United Kingdom in November 1918 when news of the Armistice was announced. People filled the streets, overjoyed at the end of a conflict that had deeply affected communities across the nation for four long years. The first official Armistice Day was held on November 11, 1919. King George V led national commemorations at Buckingham Palace, including a grand banquet. Across the country, local ceremonies took place at town and village war memorials. These events often included processions and wreath-laying ceremonies by veterans and civic leaders—traditions that have since become central to modern remembrance services. From that point forward, Remembrance became an annual tradition. As mentioned earlier, Remembrance Day was later moved from November 11 to the second Sunday of November. This change was first made during the Second World War to avoid disrupting wartime production, with ceremonies temporarily shifted to the first Sunday of the month. After the war ended, there was debate about whether to return the observance to November 11. However, many believed this would place too much emphasis on the First World War, overshadowing the sacrifices of the Second. In response, the Archbishop of Westminster proposed that the second Sunday in November be designated Remembrance Sunday, to honour those lost in both World Wars. The Home Office approved the change in January 1946, and since then, major national remembrance ceremonies have been held on this day each year.

Why is there a two-minute silence on Remembrance Day?

A two-minute silence has been a key part of Remembrance ceremonies since their inception. It was introduced by King George V as a moment for the nation to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who died or were affected by war. He envisioned the silence as a time when “the thoughts of everyone may be concentrated on reverent remembrance of the glorious dead.” This tradition continues today, with the silence observed at 11 a.m. on both Armistice Day (November 11) and Remembrance Sunday. The time was chosen because it marks the exact moment the Armistice came into effect in 1918, bringing an end to four years of brutal conflict on the Western Front.

Find out more about remembrance in Nottinghamshire

What's On in Rushcliffe