The Royal British Legion

Poppy Appeal launch 2016: Why the Royal British Legion is urging public to 'rethink Remembrance'

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• published: 01 Nov 2016
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Poppy Appeal launch 2016: Why the Royal British Legion is urging public to 'rethink Remembrance' Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday 2016 are coming up, and here's why they are important commemorations Each year, volunteers distribute the Royal British Legion's iconic paper poppies throughout the nation. The bright paper flowers are sold as the charity collect donations in return to help support the vital work they do for the Armed Forces community. Members of the public wear the paper poppy on their chest as a symbol of Remembrance, to remember the fallen service men and women killed in conflict. A number of Remembrance events, such as Remembrance Sunday , are held during the Poppy Appeal to commemorate the fallen. Here's all you need to know about the upcoming period of Remembrance in the UK. What is the Poppy Appeal? The Royal British Legion's biggest fundraising campaign is held every November, the period of Remembrance, when the charity distributes their iconic paper poppies to raise vital funds to help the Armed Forces community. Numerous cities across the country dedicate a day to distributing poppies and getting the public involved through activities and entertainment, from military bands to NFL cheerleaders. When is Armistice Day? Armistice Day , on November 11, commemorates the signing of the armistice between the Allies and Germany at 11am on November 11, 1918. As a result, there is a two minute silence held to mark the occasion - on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month - and remember those killed in the two World Wars and the 12,000 British servicemen killed or injured since 1945. The Armistice essentially ended four years of fighting in the World War I. What are the main Armistice events? The Royal British Legion host its Silence in the Square event in Trafalgar Square, London to mark Armistice Day on November 11. There is also a service of remembrance outdoors at the Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum . On Remembrance Sunday - November 13 - the Queen and senior Royals lead two minutes' silence at 11am at The Cenotaph in Whitehall. What do the Royal British Legion do? The Royal British Legion (RBL) is a British charity providing financial, social and emotional support to members and veterans of the British Armed Forces, their families and dependants. Why poppies? At the end of the First World War, poppies were the first flowers to grow in the Northern France and Flanders battlefields. When can I buy my poppy? Poppies are on sale now until November 11, with sites at major supermarket chains, train stations and high street stores. Failing that, they're available from the RBL website for £1 suggested donation. The Royal British Legion Benevolent Fund received the money raised to help armed forces' dependents, veterans and those bereaved. The Legion spent over £85 million on social, emotional and financial care and support to serving and ex-service people and their families in 2014. What is the 'rethink Remembrance' appeal about? This year, The Royal British Legion is asking the nation to Rethink Remembrance by recognising the sacrifices made not just by the Armed Forces of the past, but by today’s generation too. For many people, Remembrance is associated with the fallen of the First and Second World Wars. While we will always remember them, the Legion wants to raise awareness of a new generation of veterans and Service personnel that need our support. Rethink Remembrance this Poppy Appeal. The Royal British Legion says: “Great Britain still believes strongly in remembering those who fought not only in World Wars, but the more than 12,000 British Servicemen and women killed or injured since 1945. "The Royal British Legion supports silences observed during both Remembrance Sunday services and on 11 November, Armistice Day, itself. "The act of Remembrance rightly has a place in - and impact on - our lives, no matter which day of the week it might fall upon."