Armistice Day is an annual event that dates place every year in the UK. It is often referred to as Remembrance Day. This is a day to honour and remember armed forces members who have died in the line of duty.
It has been a tradition since the end of the First World War. It takes place on the 11th of November because it was on this day in 1918 that there was an agreement to end the fighting of the First World War. In the present day this anniversary is used to remember all the people who have died in wars and during the University services we will also be remembering all students and staff who have sadly passed away over the last year.
Across the UK there are services and processions taking place. Some of these, including the National Service of Remembrance held in London, will take place on Remembrance Sunday. Remembrance Sunday is the closest Sunday to the 11th of November.
The University’s Armistice services will be taking place on Friday 11 November 2022 across all three of the University’s UK campuses. All are invited to attend the services which will be taking place at the Whiteknights, London Road and Greenlands campuses.
The services will be taking place at the following locations at each campus:
- Whiteknights campus: Rear flagpole (between the Library and Whiteknights House)
- London Road campus: Peace Garden
- Greenlands campus: Flagpole near the cattle grid
The service will begin at 10:50am and be finished by approximately 11:05am. During the service there will be a two minutes silence to reflect and remember all those within the armed forces who have died in conflict. The services will be hosted by a member of the University Executive Board and supported by a RUSU Student Officer and the University Chaplains. During the service they will also read out names of University staff and students lost in the past year.
You do not need to register to attend this service, please just join us on the day. The services will be open to staff, students and members of the local community of all faiths and none. Lecturers have been informed and will be considerate of any students wishing to attend the services.
Some people choose to wear poppies to Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday services. Poppies grew across the battlefields in Western Europe during WW1, even after the land has been destroyed by fighting and destruction. After WW1 poppies became a symbol for Remembrance. Wearing a poppy is a personal choice, you do not have to wear one to attend a Remembrance service.
Remembrance Day can be a difficult time, if you feel like you need support please visit the University’s Student Welfare Team pages to find out about the services available to you.