Remembrance 2024 

Published: 22nd October 2024

It is Remembrance time again – poppies of a variety of colours will begin to appear in shops and online, ready to be worn to recognise the impact of war and conflict alongside the need for peace. Each year the British public are asked to reflect on those who have served in, been killed by, or whose lives have been affected by war and conflict.  

The poppy grew on the battlefields of the Western Front when no other life seemed to exist – this simple flower provided hope and beauty in a landscape ravaged by fighting and death. While the early days of Remembrance were founded to reflect on the specific experiences of the Great War of 1914-1918 and to support the injured veterans and their families, it has over time become an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifice of all those whose lives are affected by war. 

This year the discussions about what are we remembering and what Remembrance means will be even more poignant due to international events. For over three years the daily news has covered fighting in Ukraine, following the Russian invasion there, and in the last year the violence in the Middle East. British news outlets do not often cover the other ongoing skirmishes, hostilities, and outbreaks of national and religious violence in less prominent countries – but they happen none the less.  

The legacy of Remembrance – the hope to create a permanent peaceful world – appear to have been forgotten. Some may argue that wearing the poppy amongst the backdrop of global conflicts is contradictory – however, if history teaches us anything, it is that individuals and individual action can be powerful during times of national and international disorder.  

Whether it is those who resisted Nazism in the countries where it was strongest and most powerful, or it those who campaigned to protect young people from the horrors of war by organising welfare support, they all provide a lesson that when war rages the human spirit can still work for positive change.  

This Remembrance period don’t turn away from its symbols, instead continue to wear them – just ensure that the message is once more of hope. Let the poppy inspire us with the message that even small actions can be powerful tools to end war and to support those around us who need our help when conflict ends.  

Resources for Primary

Resources for Secondary

General resources