Above: The Royal British Legion's red poppy symbolizes Remembrance

Ninety one years ago on the 11^th November, the guns fell silent ending the First World War of 1914 – 1918, a global event affecting lives across continents. Men from many countries volunteered or were called up to fight, whilst the Navies (regular and merchant) tried to keep supplies arriving and the women replaced men in the work place or waited anxiously for their men to return. The casualties from that conflict stretched into the millions.

At the time the British Armed forces were some of the most diverse in the world, comprising those from across the British Isles – England, Wales Scotland and Ireland; the Commonwealth – Australia and New Zealand; and the Empire – India, Africa, the Caribbean and China; they all contributed to the fighting that took place.

It would be wrong to say that all those who contributed were treated equally or fairly. Racism and prejudice were just as prevalent in the armed forces as the rest of the society of the time. But the magnitude of that conflict meant that some prejudices were challenged and interaction normalized. Walter Tull a black British footballer before the war became the first Black officer in the British Army. Indian troops injured fighting in France on the Western Front were hospitalized in Brighton Pavilion and visited by royalty. VC’s (the highest award for bravery) were awarded to at least 14 Empire troops and those troops collectively received over 13,000 decorations for bravery.

Across the world the cemeteries from that conflict and others lay as a testament to the diversity of the forces. Having fought together, the men from across the British Isles and the world representing all the main faiths – Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and no faith, are remembered and buried together - equal in death.

All their contributions, including those that returned home should be valued. The Royal British Legion was formed 2 years after the First World War to provide support for the men who returned home and the families of those that didn’t. 89 years later it still safeguards the welfare, interests and memory of those serving or who have served in the armed forces, their families and dependants today, which continue to be diverse. We campaign and lobby for the veteran and serving community and we do not represent or partner any political party. We are the National custodians of Remembrance and we want everyone, of all ages and backgrounds to reflect on the horrors of conflict and the importance of peace.

The Royal British Legion’s red Poppy symbolizes Remembrance of those that risk their lives or health in conflict or support peacekeeping activities then and now. Whilst the symbol of the flower provides us with hope it also reminds us of all those, regardless of their place of birth, their culture, ethnicity, gender or religion who have fought to provide us here in the UK with a free society, democratic ideals and the opportunity to ponder 'Who do we think we are?' 

Written By John Farmer
Vice Chairman of The Royal British Legion
To learn more about the work of the Royal British Legion and to obtain free educational resources related to Remembrance, please follow the links provided below.

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