Matlock Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day is on 11 November each year.

It commemorates all those who have fallen in the two World Wars (1914-1918 and 1939-1945) and later conflicts. It was originally known as Armistice Day, but was renamed Remembrance Day after the Second World War.

Traditionally poppies are worn at this time of year as a sign of remembrance. The poppy has been the symbol of remembrance because of a poem by Canadian surgeon John McCrae “In Flanders Fields”. This is because following the war, the poppy was one of the only plants that grew in the fields on which battles took place. The red poppy reminds us of the blood spilt by the men and women of all wars across the world. It was adopted by The Royal British Legion as the symbol for their Poppy Appeal, in aid of those serving in the British Armed Forces, after its formation in 1921.

On remembrance day, a short informal ceremony is held at Hall Leys Park Head, Matlock at 11am to remember those who have fallen. It includes 2 minutes silence and prayer.

Remembrance Sunday is held on the Sunday nearest to the 11th November. This year it falls on the 13th November. A Memorial Service is held at 11am at Pic Tor War Memorial with a service at 11.20am at Starkholme’s War Memorial. A service is also held at Hall Leys Park Head at 3.00 pm. These events are organised by Matlock Town Council and the Matlock and Darley Dale Sub-Branch of the Royal British Legion.