Remembrance Day (11th of November) is the national Day of memorial to remember and honour all service men and women who fought in the First World War, following/recent wars and the ongoing plight of veterans.
On the eleventh day of the eleventh month at 11am, the nation stops for one minute silent to commemorate when the armistice was signed between the Allies and Germany that brought the end of WW1.
Wearing a poppy on this day has become a popular tribute tradition that was originally inspired by the fields of poppies that grew where many of the battles were fought.
There has been a rise of different coloured poppies; including white, black, and purple. Each of the four different coloured choices represents a different charity/cause within the sub-genre of paying respects.
The RED poppy:-
The red poppy is the most famous symbol used to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives in World War One and the wars that followed. The red poppy represents remembrance and hope and is connected to the Royal British Legion – a charity created by veterans of World War One.
The PURPLE poppy:-
The purple poppy also known as the “Animal poppy” is a memorial tribute remembering the service and sacrifices of all animals, great and small, that subsequently lost their lives in service; as well as honouring and recognising animals within the armed forces who bravely serve and work the frontline today.
Animals still continue to play a vital and significant role supporting and helping returning soldiers.
The WHITE poppy:-
The WHITE poppy pays tribute to those who died in conflict, but emphasises an ultimate commitment to achieving peace and challenging the way we look at war.
This one is the hallmark of the Peace Pledge Union.
The BLACK poppy:-
It is most commonly associated with the commemoration of black, African and Caribbean communities’ contribution to the war effort – as servicemen and servicewomen, and as civilians.