Armistice Day

World War One ended on 11th November 1918 with the signing of the Armistice, but now this day is often known by different names- Remembrance Day, or Poppy Day in the UK, Veterans' Day in the USA. Here in the UK, there are now poppies in other colours apart from the traditional red ones - these include

Red for remembrance and hope,

Black for pride, honour and glory - since 2010, these have been worn to commemorate the contribution of African, Black, West Indian and Pacific Island communities during conflict.

Purple for animals who died working in wartime -horses, dogs, and pigeons, worn since 2006

White poppies show a commitment to peace, and worn by those dedicated to promoting non violence and finding peaceful solutions to conflict.

But what about the rest of the world? How do they remember?

In the USA I understand that people wear a red/white/blue ribbon in their lapel

Alongside the poppy [worn in the UK, Canada, Oz & NZ etc] you may see

In France, a blue cornflower [le Bleuet]is worn

In Germany, the forget-me-not [Vergissmeinnicht] - also worn in Newfoundland and Labrador
In Belgium, a daisy - also worn in the Netherlands- it was a symbol of the Dutch Resistance

Scottish poppies have 4 distinct petals.

In India, the marigold is worn on Nov 11th, but in Mexico, the marigold [Cempasuchil] is worn on November 1st and 2nd

On Anzac Day, April 27th, sprigs of Rosemary [for remembrance] are worn in the lapel to honour the fallen

I shall be in Denmark today - which remained neutral in WW1 - and they mark September 5th as National Flag Day, remembering those who have served their nation. But there may be some wreath laying at various Commonwealth War Graves.

Wherever you are, whether or not you have a pin, a poppy, or another flower in your lapel [or not] please remember those who served, those who suffered, and still suffer, those who are bereaved - and let us work together for peace in our world...