Remembrance events encourage communities to come together and honour those who have served, and who continue to serve, in our Armed Forces.
This year, the Royal British Legion is commemorating military and civilian service including those who worked to protect the nation during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The red poppy, a symbol of hope, is worn to show support for those who have dedicated their lives to the Armed Forces.
And while traditional Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday services and events take place this weekend (November 11-13 2022), the Royal British Legion is also encouraging communities to create their own acts of remembrance.
Tributes to those who have served and sacrificed
People of all faiths, cultures and backgrounds unite during Remembrance events.
A two-minute silence is held across the UK at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month to mark the agreement to end the fighting of the First World War.
On Remembrance Sunday, groups and residents come together at their town and village cenotaphs to give thanks to and honour veterans and current service personnel.
The National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph in Whitehall is attended by representatives of British and Commonwealth Armed Forces including the Army, Navy and Air Force, members of the emergency services, and civilians.
And the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall features songs, storytelling and readings to celebrate the personal strengths and qualities of those who serve and their families.
The Royal British Legion, which works to get fair treatment and recognition for veterans and their loved one, marked its 100 anniversary in 2021.
It is keen to ensure acts of remembrance continue for another 100 years and supports inclusive commemoration events of all types across the UK.
It says the pressures and dangers that come from serving, the absence of time with family, and physical, mental or emotional trauma or injury all highlight why we should remember.
Personal acts of remembrance
As the Royal British Legion has grown over the last 100 years, so too have the ways in which people choose to remember.
As well as pilgrimages and parades, events have included a national touring exhibition called Tribute Ink, bringing to life the powerful and public stories behind the tattoos comrades have chosen to mark their service and their fallen friends.
In 2014, artists Paul Cummins and Tom Piper created an installation at the Tower of London where 888,246 ceramic poppies filled the moat.
And here at Broxap Street Furniture we’ve been very honoured to support a number of community groups as they create their own tributes.
This year our production teams worked closely with Hull City Council and Sutton Events Committee to replace a much treasured item of street furniture which plays an important role in village life.
We created a planter for Sutton on Hull which, as well as being a base for the village Christmas Tree, traditionally forms part of a symbol of peace all year round.
Within the planter we created a box section socket where a Peace Pole stands, surrounded by seasonal plants.
Peace Poles are an internationally recognised symbol for peace and there are now more than 200,000 around the globe.
They have four or more sides, displaying the message ‘May Peace Prevail on Earth’ in different languages. They are a constant reminder of the need to create and have peace in all areas of life.
In Sutton, the Peace Pole holds a flag in tribute to the fallen of the First World War.
In Bournemouth, we again worked in partnership with a veterans’ charity to come up with a seating design to suit its memorial garden.
The garden at Bournemouth War Memorial Homes was completely transformed last year to offer better access to all residents and visitors.
Managers from the Bournemouth War Memorial Homes charity approached Broxap for advice about how to ensure the garden remained welcoming with additional seating.
Our teams recommended the installation of individual benches with armrests situated around the memorial stone, which is the venue for Remembrance Day services.
Thanks to a grant from the BFBS Big Salute, a total of 10 Willenhall steel-framed seats were manufactured and delivered to the garden. Built using FSC certified timber, the steel frame was painted dark green to complement the natural surroundings.
Because we design and manufacture our products on site here in the UK, we can offer customers the flexibility of a bespoke service to ensure project goals are met. Contact our team today to discuss your street furniture needs.