Remembrance Day 2026 is on Wednesday, 11 November 2026. In the UK, Remembrance Sunday 2026 is on 8 November. It is a day to remember members of the armed forces who died in the line of duty, marked in the UK, Canada, Australia and other Commonwealth countries, often with a two-minute silence at 11am.
Remembrance Day 2026 key dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Remembrance Sunday (UK) | Sunday, 8 November 2026 |
| Remembrance Day / Armistice Day | Wednesday, 11 November 2026 |
| Veterans Day (USA) | Wednesday, 11 November 2026 |
Why is Remembrance Day on 11 November?
The Armistice that ended the fighting of the First World War took effect at 11am on 11 November 1918 — “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.” Since then, people have paused at that time to remember those who died in war.
The two-minute silence
At 11am on 11 November, and during services on Remembrance Sunday, people stop what they are doing for two minutes of silence. Schools, workplaces, shops and public transport often take part.
What does the poppy mean?
The red poppy became a symbol of remembrance because poppies grew on the battlefields of Flanders in Belgium and northern France after the First World War. The poem “In Flanders Fields” by Canadian doctor John McCrae made the flower famous. Wearing a poppy shows respect and supports veterans’ charities.
How Remembrance Day is marked in different countries
- United Kingdom: the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London on Remembrance Sunday, and a silence at 11am on 11 November.
- Canada: ceremonies at the National War Memorial in Ottawa; it is a statutory holiday in most provinces and territories.
- Australia and New Zealand: a minute’s silence at 11am; Anzac Day in April is their main day of remembrance.
- United States: 11 November is Veterans Day, honoring all who served.
Remembrance Day quotes
- “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.” — Laurence Binyon, “For the Fallen”
- “In Flanders fields the poppies blow / Between the crosses, row on row.” — John McCrae
- Lest we forget.
- We will remember them.
- Their courage, our freedom.
- Remember the past, honour the fallen, protect the future.
- For our tomorrow, they gave their today.
Ways to remember
- Wear a poppy and donate to a veterans’ charity.
- Observe the two-minute silence at 11am.
- Attend a local service or parade.
- Visit a war memorial and read the names.
- Teach children about why we remember, using age-appropriate stories.
In the USA? See our Veterans Day 2026 guide. You may also want to read about Bonfire Night 2026.
FAQ
When is Remembrance Day 2026?
Wednesday, 11 November 2026.
When is Remembrance Sunday 2026?
Sunday, 8 November 2026 — the second Sunday in November.
What time is the Remembrance Day silence?
11am local time, usually for two minutes.
Is Remembrance Day a bank holiday in the UK?
No. It is not a bank holiday in the UK, but it is a statutory holiday in most Canadian provinces.
