Every year in November, you might see people wearing red poppies on their shirts or notice them on TV. Have you ever wondered why? These poppies are a symbol of Remembrance Day, a day to remember the end of World War One in 1918.
Remembrance Day is connected to World War One, also known as the Great War, which started in 1914. This war began when countries like Britain, France, and Russia went to war against Germany and Austria-Hungary. Many other countries, including Australia and New Zealand, joined to help their friends. The soldiers from Australia and New Zealand were part of a group called the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, or ANZACs.
During World War One, Australia and New Zealand fought in some very tough battles, like the one at Gallipoli. After years of fighting, both sides agreed to stop fighting. This agreement is called an armistice, which means a truce. At 11 AM on the 11th of November, the fighting stopped, marking the end of World War One. This is why the 11th of November is known as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day.
The truce started at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Because of this, many countries around the world pause for one or two minutes of silence at 11 AM on the 11th of November to remember those who served in wars.
In 1997, Australia officially changed the name from Armistice Day to Remembrance Day. This change was made to honor all Australians who have served in any war or conflict, not just World War One.
But why are red poppies so important on Remembrance Day? Red poppies were among the first plants to grow on the battlefields after World War One, symbolizing the sacrifices of soldiers. Since 1918, red poppies have been made from silk or paper and sold to raise money for those affected by war. This tradition continues today.
On Remembrance Day, many ceremonies are held worldwide to honor those who fought in World War One. You might find a cenotaph in your town or city. A cenotaph is a special monument built to honor people who died in wars but are buried elsewhere. People often lay wreaths at these cenotaphs and gather to remember on special days.
The 11th of November is a day to remember those who have fought and continue to fight for Australia. You might even want to make your own red poppy this Remembrance Day to join in the remembrance.
Make Your Own Red Poppy: Gather some red and black construction paper, scissors, and glue. Create your own red poppy by cutting out a large red circle for the petals and a smaller black circle for the center. Glue the black circle in the middle of the red one. Wear your poppy or give it to someone to spread awareness about Remembrance Day. Think about why poppies are used as a symbol and discuss with a friend or family member.
Minute of Silence Observation: At 11 AM on the 11th of November, join in a minute of silence. Before the silence, talk with your classmates or family about why this moment is important. Afterward, share how it felt to participate in this tradition and why remembering is important.
Visit a Local Cenotaph: With a parent or guardian, visit a cenotaph in your community. Observe the names and dates on the monument. Think about the people it honors and the stories behind those names. Draw a picture of the cenotaph or write a short story imagining the life of one of the people it commemorates.
**Sanitized Transcript:**
[Music] Each year in November, you may have seen red poppies worn on people’s shirts or shown on TV. Do you know what they are used to commemorate? They are a symbol of Remembrance Day. Remembrance Day commemorates the end of World War One in 1918.
But what’s the story behind Remembrance Day? It all began with World War One, also known as the Great War, which started in 1914. It began when several countries, including Britain, France, and Russia, went to war against Germany and Austria-Hungary. Other countries, including Australia and New Zealand, also joined in to support their allies. The soldiers from Australia and New Zealand were part of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps and were called ANZACs.
During the years of World War One, Australia and New Zealand were part of some very challenging battles that saw many people injured or killed, such as the landing at Gallipoli. Then one day, both sides agreed on an armistice, which is another word for truce. The signing of this agreement meant that the fighting would stop. So at 11 AM on the 11th of November, the guns went silent after four years of continuous war. This was the moment that World War One ended. Because of this, the 11th of November is known as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day.
You might notice that the truce began at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. This is why every year at 11 AM on the 11th of November, many countries around the world pause for one or two minutes of silence to remember those who have served their country in war.
Did you know that in 1997, Australia officially changed the name of Armistice Day to Remembrance Day? This meant that the day recognized and celebrated any Australian who had served in any war or conflict.
Now back to those red poppies—why are they so special for Remembrance Day? The red poppy was one of the first plants to come up through the grounds of the battlefields of World War One, making it a symbol of soldiers’ sacrifices. Since 1918, red poppies have been made using silk or paper and sold to raise money for those serving in war or those who have been affected by war, a tradition that continues today.
During Remembrance Day, there are also many ceremonies held around the world to pay respects to those who fought in World War One. Maybe your town or city even has a cenotaph. A cenotaph is a monument built to honor people who were buried elsewhere. It’s at these cenotaphs that people often lay wreaths and where gatherings take place on special days.
The 11th of November is a special day to remember those who have fought and continue to fight for Australia. Maybe you can make your very own red poppy this Remembrance Day. [Music]
