Remembrance Day holds a special place in the hearts of people worldwide. It serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by brave men and women who fought valiantly to secure our freedom. In this article, we delve into the significance of Remembrance Day, exploring its history, traditions, and the profound impact it has on society. Join us on this journey as we pay tribute to the heroes and reflect on the importance of remembering their sacrifices.
When is Remembrance Day in 2023?
In the United Kingdom, on Remembrance Sunday, which falls on the second Sunday in November, a significant moment of silence is observed. In 2023, Remembrance Day will be commemorated specifically on November 12th. At 11 a.m., people across the nation, including members of the Royal Family, gather to pay their respects to the brave men and women of the armed forces who died in wars. Church services and memorial services take place, with the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London being the focal point.
Who do we remember on Remembrance Day?
Remembrance Day dates back to November 1919 when King George V inaugurated Armistice Day. During the ceremony, two minutes of silence are observed, honouring the fallen soldiers who served on the Western Front and acknowledging the profound impact of their sacrifice. The Royal British Legion plays a vital role in organising the poppy appeal and supporting these commemorative events, ensuring that the memory of those who gave their lives remains eternally respected and cherished.
Alongside remembering those who served during WW1 and WW2, many civilians and currently serving Armed Forces use Remembrance Day to also pay their respects to soldiers who selflessly fought in Afghanistan and Iraq.
As a result of the conflicts in the Middle East, many soldiers were left severely wounded, both physically and mentally. They paid the ultimate price to defend their country and stabilise the political unrest within these countries.
Murray served for 12 years in the Royal Tank Regiment
His life was shattered by a bomb blast in Afghanistan in 2010 that left both his feet needing to be amputated. He struggled mentally for a number of years afterwards; firstly with the aftermath of amputation, and more profoundly when he lost his young son to a sudden illness. These tragedies would break many people but, at Remembrance Day, Murray explains why this time of year serves as an important and poignant reminder of all that he has been through over the last 10 years.
"My shins had been shattered and my feet had totally disintegrated” This Remembrance Day, please remember those who cannot forget
Can you tell us about your military service?
"I grew up on a council estate in East Sussex and joined the Royal Tank Regiment in 2002. I loved the Army straight away; the travel was great and the camaraderie was brilliant. In 2010, on my second tour of Afghanistan, the armoured vehicle I was travelling in drove over an explosive device planted by the Taliban. The vehicle was thrown 10 feet in the air – I kept on going for another 30 feet before I fell back down to Earth."
But the immediate issue was your legs?
"My feet had disintegrated. Back in the UK the surgeons told me my right foot had to be amputated but they said they could try to repair and rebuild my left one. They also said it might take years, I might be in huge amounts of pain, and after all that it might still need amputating. They said life would be better if both feet came off."
It was then that you discovered Blesma?
"Our house had been renovated, but very badly, and I reached out to Blesma for help so I could focus on my son. Later on, my marriage came under pressure – my wife felt I hadn’t mourned our son properly – and Blesma helped me with counselling. I’ve got nothing but love for the charity."
So this time of year is important to you?
"If I sit and think too much I can focus on the negative side of life, but Remembrance is an important part of my life – I lost good friends in Afghanistan and Iraq. I attend a service on the day, and the Royal Tank Regiment visits the Cenotaph after the main event.
"It is important to meet up with people who know what you’ve been through. I remember being in a ditch on a hilltop in Afghanistan with nothing but a tarpaulin for protection. The Taliban would fire rockets at us every day, and we’d take cover under the poncho feeling as safe as houses! When you go through something like that with people, it bonds you together."
Hari Budha Magar was severely wounded by a bomb blast in Afghanistan that left him fighting for his life. This is his story…
How were you injured?
“I was on my first tour of duty in Afghanistan. We were on patrol and had been chatting to the locals and giving children sweets. Suddenly, there was a loud bang and I had ringing in my ears. At first there was no pain, but there was dirt and dust in the air and I heard someone shout: ‘Man Down! Man Down! ’ I didn’t immediately register it was me, but then I realised I had been blown up. When I looked down my right leg wasn’t there and my left leg was dangling – it was just skin and bone."
What was your rehabilitation like?
“I found it really difficult. I had to learn the skills most people take for granted – how to stand, balance and walk, how to make a cup of tea and get dressed. At first, I couldn’t do anything and had to rely on my family to do everything for me. I got angry with myself for getting injured. I had surgeries to repair my stumps but I was disillusioned. I started to drink heavily and it got to the point where I tried to take my own life. I didn’t think there was anything left. I wasn’t a soldier any more. I was totally lost.”
How did Blesma turn your life around?
“Blesma has done a lot for me. The charity was at my bedside when I got back to the UK. It encouraged me to work hard at my rehab and paid for adaptations to my house and garden, which made life easier for me and my family. The charity took me on adventure trips and I even went skiing with them, which gave me my confidence back and made me realise I could rebuild my life. It is also great to be part of the Blesma community because there is camaraderie and banter – important parts of Army life that I had to leave behind.”