Today marks the 93rd anniversary of World War I ending. This date has been honoured every year since 1918, by many people from young to old, who honour a two minute silence on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
No matter where people are, whether out shopping, in the office or having a coffee with friends in a retail commercial property, the majority of people will stop what they are doing, as a mark of respect to remember those who lost their lives during the war.
Leading up to the 11th of November, many people buy a poppy to show their respect. The poppy tradition has been honoured since 1920 and are produced and sold by The Royal British Legion (RBL). Poppies are sold in a variety of commercial properties, including: supermarkets, retail units, leisure centres and libraries, just to list a few. They are bought by a donation system, as there is no set price, although the majority of people give at least one pound. Poppies are made in the poppy factory, in Richmond all year round by volunteers and ex military personnel’s.
However, not everyone agrees with the poppy tradition. Fifa recently banned England players from wearing a poppy on their shirts for a friendly game against Spain, due to be played tomorrow. However, after Prince William and the Prime Minister, David Cameron intervened, Fifa revoked the ban, but players can only wear an armband, not a poppy itself.
Speaking of the decision, Peter Hodge, Secretary of the Normandy Veterans Association, expressed: “It is about time Fifa came to their senses but it is a disgrace it took them so long. To suggest the poppy is political is pathetic. But this doesn’t go far enough. The poppy is a wonderful emblem that every nation would be proud of. Fifa should have allowed it on the chests of the players, not on their arms.
The decision to wear a poppy and to honour the two minute silence at 11am today is completely up to you. But here at Movehut, we will be downing tools for Remembrance Day.
