Remembrance Day: What sports do to remember the fallen soldiers
- therookiereporters
- Nov 12
- 2 min read
The 11th of November marks the end of World War 1. Ever since then, we have referred to this day as Remembrance Day. But what have sports communities and athletes done to remember the fallen soldiers? And what can we do to make sure not a single one of them is erased from our memories?
What is Remembrance Day?
Remembrance Day is the day on which people stand still in remembrance of soldiers who passed away during World War I. It is a national day of remembrance in the UK. The symbol of this day is the red poppy, as it was the only bit of vegetation that grew in Flanders, where some of the most brutal fighting took place during the war. However, Remembrance Day is not the only day people try to remember the soldiers. For instance, in Ypres, there is a commemoration every single day. The last post is played, and relatives of soldiers who passed away can put down a wreath of poppies.
Remembrance Day in sports
Remembrance Day has been a big part of sports, especially in Great Britain. This year, the Liverpool kit had a poppy on the front. These shirts are worn during matches from October 23rd through November 11th. After this period, the athletes sign the shirts, which are then auctioned. The money raised for this goes to the Royal British Legion. This action has raised over £ 5 million. Not only footballers, but also managers wear poppies, such as the German Thomas Tuchel, who is currently the coach of the British national team.
In 2016, FIFA fined England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland for their use of the poppy, seeing it as a political symbol. A year later the FIFA reconsidered its opinion, allowing the use of poppies as long as both teams and the relevant organisation of the match agree beforehand.
Before most matches during the past weeks, the last post was played, after which a minute of silence for players and the grandstands was held. For example, this practice was performed at the recent Manchester City against Liverpool match.
Not only football but also sports like rugby will be active during this time. During the third Ashes test, a commemoration will be held because it falls during Remembrance weekend.
In Flanders, they host the yearly RAM field run to remember the fallen soldiers. There are also many locally sourced events, like speeches, music festivals, and commemorations.
So in conclusion, there are many athletic and clubs that take the time to commemorate the fallen soldiers.
What can we do to remember?
It is of great importance that we, as a community, remember the fallen soldiers. It does not matter what part of the globe you come from; remembering those soldiers is for a greater purpose. By remembering them, we remind ourselves that freedom does not come for free and that war is something we should never tolerate. Wear a Poppy on your shirt, put a post up on your socials, talk about it with your family, all so we never forget.
As is said in Ypres every single day: We will remember them
Article written by Norah d’Hont ©️Norah d’Hont 2025
