Remembrance Sunday

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them.” – For the Fallen by Robert Laurence Binyon

This year Remembrance Sunday is being held on 9 November 2025. Remembrance Sunday is an occasion to remember and honour all the people that sacrificed their lives for our freedom. It is a time to remember and show respect to lost family and friends who gave up so much, so we can live the lives we do today.

Remembrance Day was initially created to honour those who lost their lives during the First World War. However, it now honours all veterans who have served in conflicts and provides a chance to reflect on the cost of war and embrace peace. In addition to this, it creates an opportunity to educate younger generations.

For veterans, Remembrance Sunday is a very personal and emotional day. It is a chance for them to reflect on their time in the service and everything they went through, as well as remembering all the people who are no longer here. Therefore, employers should take an active role in honouring veteran employees and veteran service users.

How can employers commemorate Remembrance Sunday

Support the Poppy Appeal and distribute poppies

The poppy is the symbol of remembrance, this symbolism comes from the poem ‘In Flander’s Field’ written by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrea. After the battles of the First World War, poppies were the only flower to flourish across the battlefields. The poppy symbol was adopted by the Royal British Legion in 1921, and artificial poppies were sold to raise money in support of veterans and the families of those who had died in the conflict. The Poppy Appeal continues to sell poppies and raise money to support the armed forces community.

Wearing a poppy is never compulsory, but is greatly appreciated by those who it is intended to support. Many individuals will begin wearing a poppy on the left-hand side 11 days before Remembrance Day. Employers can support the Poppy Appeal by offering poppies to purchase or purchasing poppies for staff.

Organising and taking part in the two-minute silence

On Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day (11 November), the nation pauses with a two-minute silence at 11 am. The two-minute silence was first initiated by King George V in 1919 and has been observed every year since. To encourage people to participate in the two-minute silence, employers can hold the silence in a quiet room to provide a safe space for those who wish to participate.

Create a commemorative event and encourage involvement

To honour the veteran service users and employee veterans, employers can plan a special event on Remembrance Sunday or Armistice Day.

This event could be a themed lunch, bake sale or workshops/seminars, to bring people together to discuss the importance of remembering. The events can include a two-minutes silence and provide individuals with a safe space to share their stories, or the stories of their family members. Remembrance Sunday can be a difficult day for those affected, therefore employers should try to provide emotional support to individuals that may struggle with the day.

If you have queries or questions in relation to supporting employees who may be impacted by Remembrance Sunday or Armistice Day, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the AfterAthena team (part of the Napthens Group) who are able to offer 30 minutes of free advice to QCS members.