Armistice Day, also known as Remembrance Day, takes place on Tuesday 11 November, with Remembrance Sunday acknowledged on 9 November. During Armistice Day, we commemorate and honour the service and sacrifice of members of the armed forces who died for democratic freedoms, including during World War I and II. We also pay tribute to the families of the armed forces, emergency services, and civilians who died in conflicts and acts of terrorism. To find out how you can show your support, you can visit the Royal British Legion website here.
What can I do at the University?
To pay your respects on Armistice Day, University of Kent students and staff are invited to attend a short ceremony at our Canterbury campus on Tuesday 11 November. The gathering will take place on the lawn outside the Registry Building (library side entrance). Please arrive at 10:50am so the ceremony can begin promptly at 11:00am. The ceremony will include a reading of the Exhortation by Professor David Wilkinson and a performance of The Last Post by students Felix Black and Chi Ting Lam. A two-minute silence will be observed at 11:00am in remembrance. During the same time, there will be a two-minute silence at the Buttermarket Memorial in Canterbury.
Remembrance Events
On Remembrance Sunday (9 November), there are a number of free events in Kent taking place if you would like to pay your respects. There is a service taking place at Canterbury Cathedral and you can click here to find out the event details. There is also a service taking place at Rochester Cathedral and you can click here to find out the event details. However, most seats for this service are ticketed and a small number are available for the public. Details of other events taking place in Whitstable and Herne Bay can be found here.
The Poppy Symbol
Poppies are the traditional symbol of remembrance and a visual sign of support for the Armed Forces community. Wearing a poppy is a very personal choice, reflecting individual experiences and personal memories. It is never compulsory but is greatly appreciated by those who it is intended to support, with funds from poppy sales supporting serving personnel, veterans, and their families throughout their lives with whatever the need, whenever it’s needed.
If you would like to purchase a poppy, you can do so by visiting a number of supermarkets, approaching local collectors in town, or visiting the Royal British Legion website here.
Armistice Day
