Remember, remember the 11th of November!

People are proudly wearing their poppies and red wreaths are appearing on high streets across the land. It can only mean one thing: Remembrance Day is almost upon us! Let’s hand over our donations, wear our poppies with pride and reflect on the sacrifices so many men and women have made in times of war over the years.

You may also want to:

1. Keep the silence. Whether you’re working, at home or meeting friends at 11am on Thursday 11 November, remember to mark the two-minute silence. If you can do it communally – even by video link – it will feel more poignant. Block everything else out and reflect on what this day really means.
2. Talk to veterans. Perhaps you have veterans in your family or friendship group. Don’t forget that younger people may also have served in the armed forces. Ask them about their experiences and find out what Remembrance Day means to them.
3. Visit a memorial. The most famous Remembrance memorial in the UK is the National Memorial Arboretum in Lichfield, Staffordshire, but there’s bound to be one near you. Visiting a memorial is a great way to learn about the history of the day and to think about its significance today.
4. Talk to your kids about it. It’s likely that your children (or grandchildren) are learning about Remembrance Day at school. Ask what they have discovered – you might actually learn something!
5. Make a wreath. If you’re the creative type, making a remembrance wreath will give you a great opportunity to produce a physical reminder and to reflect on those who have lost lives or loved ones in times of war.
6. Read a wartime book. If you’re struggling to imagine what it would be like to live through a major conflict, read a novel set in wartime or a work of nonfiction written by someone who has first-hand experience.
7. Listen to popular World War I songs. Vera Lynn, Bing Crosby, Billie Holiday, Judy Garland and Doris Day might just transport you back to a time when there was very little to be cheerful about. Talk to older relatives or church friends about how these songs make them feel. There may also be hymns that evoke powerful wartime memories for them.
8. Attend a Remembrance Sunday service. Find out if your church or a church nearby is doing something special on 14 November, and go along. There’s something really powerful about collective worship and remembrance.
9. Pray for those affected by war today. Millions of people around the world are still struggling to survive the effects of war in their home nations. Many have been through horrific experiences, been displaced, lost loved ones and lost homes, businesses and possessions. Many are living in fear due to poor or non-existent healthcare, a lack of basic human necessities and the increased risk of violence or sexual exploitation.
10. Give to charities that support survivors of war. Sometimes a small gift can make a big difference in someone else’s life. Research relevant charities that align with your values and donate whatever you feel prompted to give.