London Remembers

You’ve probably noticed that a lot of people are sporting red poppies this week, and there’s a good reason for it. This Friday will be a very significant date: 11/11/11. Aside from it being the birthday of Leonardo Dicaprio, Demi Moore and my own dear mother, it’s also the day when we remember those who lost their lives in World Wars I and II. In 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent on the 11th hour of the 11th day on the 11th month, when war had been raging continuously for more than four years. To remember and honour this, many people, establishments and organisations take a minute or two of silence when the clock strikes 11.

To mark this occasion, there will be events, church services and concerts taking place across London. This week up until Friday you can visit the chapel on the HMS Belfast, which is usually closed to the public. If you don’t know much about the history behind Remembrance Day, you can learn what it’s all about here. It’s suitable for children and adults, with craft activities for the little ones. You can take a London Bridge taxi there; the wartime cruiser is moored nearby.

Another place to go to show your respect is the War Memorial in Battersea Park; an annual ceremony is held here on 11th November. The park itself is a beautiful space to visit at any time of year, with wide expanses of green grass, a boating lake and a play area. One of the largest events is the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, which is taking place on Saturday; members of the Royal family will join Government ministers and members of the public to honour those who fought and died for our country.

If you want to show your suppost to British troops past and present, buy a poppy and wear it with pride; they can be bought from street volunteers across the city, or from the Royal British Legion website.