Remembrance Day has always been a time for the nation to come together. As we commemorate those who fought for our freedom, it’s a chance to embrace our history and show our respect for those who help in times of hardship.
With Covid-19 regulations in place across the UK, this year’s Remembrance day will be commemorated differently. As more low-key and responsibly organised events unfold across the nation, it’s more than still possible to practice careful Remembrance traditions.
A Time For Togetherness
For many, 2020 has marked an important time for reflection. Behind all the uncertainty and despite all the challenges we’ve faced this year, however, is an important truth - we’re all in it together. For that, we have an extra reason to be grateful this Remembrance Sunday. And as we respect our veterans, we also show our allegiance with those who continue to fight on the front line, like doctors, nurses, and NHS healthcare workers.
From the modest to the bold, there are numerous tactful ways to mark the occasion with Remembrance Day 2020 flags for the Navy, RAF and everyone else. While those attending a live event can expect a quieter experience, we’re looking forward to sharing the event on TV or streaming it online.
Showing Our Gratitude
Despite social distancing measures, this Remembrance Day 2020 will be more important than ever as we face our challenges as a nation, united. While get-togethers may be out of the question, decorations are a simple way to show our gratitude and support. Like the iconic red poppy, some home or office adornments are a tasteful way to remember those who lost their lives to defend us.
At The Flag Shop, we’ve always displayed an elegant Lest We Forget Poppy Flag, not only to commemorate the fallen, but to inspire and encourage. In the streets, we’re already warmed every time we see the Union Jack at this time of year.
Remembrance Day 2020 Events
With bans on public gatherings, here is how you can still commemorate on Wednesday, November 11th. Festival of Remembrance
This year’s Festival of Remembrance will still be taking place - albeit on a smaller scale. Around the nation, we’ll be able to tune in to a pre-recorded programme of the scaled-back Remembrance tradition on the slightly earlier date of Saturday evening.
The traditional Armistice Day event has customarily honoured the fallen at the Royal Albert Hall, with Her Majesty in attendance, but those who are unable to attend can rest assured that the event will be televised across the country.
Two Minute Silence
Two quiet moments of reflection is always a great way to commemorate those who protect and serve, and count our blessings in spite of this year’s hardships. As an unprecedented year draws to a close, we can expect quieter streets, shopping centres, and communities for a different reason as the nation remembers.
Following long-established traditions, the two minute silence takes place at 11am to mark the end of World War One. This 2020, however, we expect to hear The Last Post played from even more homes and communities as we come together to note the date.
Community Decorations
Even those currently under quarantine restrictions can join in with a decorative act of Remembrance. Shows of support are easy to create and display, such as wreaths, floral arrangements, and commemorative 2020 bunting.
Decorating your home, shop, or business is a responsible and safe way to participate in this year’s display of respect and gratitude, and it’s possible to commemorate indoors and outdoors. Those hosting a family dinner can create a themed centrepiece with table flags, and even the kids can get involved.
Creative Remembrance Events
Some community or regional gatherings will still be taking place in specific areas around the country, where responsible public events are permitted with the correct measures.
The Royal British Legion has made the essentials for your own Remembrance Day Act available online, including everything necessary to mark the date in a traditional manner. This includes The Exhortation Script, Kohima Epitaph, and customary rituals for a safe, healthy Act of Remembrance within your own community or family.
Lest We Forget
Perseverance and overcoming adversity are at the heart of Remembrance Day, as well as community togetherness, gratitude, and national spirit. While we may not be commemorating this Armistice Day in the time-honoured manner, it’s these values that matter most, and simple shows of respect are more than enough.
If we cannot attend a public event this year, it’s still possible to recognise this spirit and commemorate the fallen in more low-profile ways. As we face the future together, we’ll be this welcoming Remembrance Day 2020 as a heartwarming reassurance that we can overcome these challenging times like those before us.