Remembrance Day: Reflecting, Remembering & Rebuilding Together
Every year on the 11th of November, the United Kingdom pauses at 11am to remember the courage, sacrifice and unity of those who served and lost their lives in conflict. From the trenches of the First World War to modern-day peacekeeping efforts, Remembrance Day is not only a tribute to those who gave everything, it’s a reminder of the values they fought for: peace, dignity, and community.
At imabi, we believe remembrance is more than reflection - it’s also a call to action: to look at the world around us, acknowledge the challenges our communities face, and continue the work of building safer, kinder societies for everyone.
The Meaning Behind the Poppy
The red poppy has become one of the most recognisable symbols of remembrance, inspired by John McCrae’s (Lieutenant Colonel and Field Surgeon during the First World War) poem In Flanders Fields. Each delicate petal represents more than loss - it embodies hope, resilience, and the renewal of life after hardship.
Across the UK, millions wear the poppy each November to honour those who served and sacrificed for peace. The act of wearing it unites generations, from veterans and their families to schoolchildren and communities, all reflecting together in a moment of collective gratitude. Through the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, this simple flower continues to raise vital support for those who have served, helping to fund rehabilitation, mental health care, and community initiatives for veterans and their loved ones.
Remembrance isn’t and shouldn’t be just about wearing a symbol - it’s about understanding what it stands for: compassion, courage and collective responsibility.
In a modern world that can often feel divided or uncertain, the poppy reminds us of our common humanity - a symbol of how strength and hope can emerge from even the darkest moments.
Facts & Reflections
The first Remembrance Day was held in 1919, marking one year since the Armistice that ended World War One (WWI)
Today, the Royal British Legion supports over 180,000 veterans and families across the UK every year
Two minutes of silence are observed nationwide: at workplaces, schools, train stations and homes - to reflect and remember
The Cenotaph ceremony in London and community parades across towns and cities continue to bring people together in unity
Remembrance in Today’s Climate
In 2025, remembrance feels especially relevant. The world faces ongoing conflict, division, and uncertainty, and with that comes the importance of empathy, community and mutual care.
Acts of remembrance invite us to consider how we treat one another in daily life:
Are we building communities grounded in respect and understanding?
Are we protecting the vulnerable and supporting those who keep us safe?
Are we learning from the past to create safer, more connected societies today?
Remembrance encourages us not only to look back but to move forward together - rebuilding trust, promoting inclusion, and ensuring that no one feels forgotten or unsafe.
Where imabi Stands
At imabi, our mission echoes the principles of remembrance - connection, protection and collective strength.
We’re helping communities across the UK stay safe, informed and supported through our ecosystem of safeguarding platforms:
🧭 imabi Travel Guardian: free personal safety app, helping the public report concerns, share journeys and access trusted local safety information
🌐 imabi Connect: safety and wellness platform, enabling councils, BIDs and local businesses and organisations to collaborate on community-wide safety initiatives
🎓 imabi Inspire: students’ platform, empowering schools and colleges to strengthen safeguarding, safety & wellbeing across educational settings
🏢 imabi Pro: business compliance and employee safety and wellbeing platform, supporting workplaces to uphold safety, dignity and respect
Just as remembrance honours those who stood together in the face of adversity, imabi exists to help people stand together today: to speak up, protect one another and create spaces where everyone feels safe to live, work, travel and learn.
Remembrance Day reminds us that peace is not passive - it’s something we all help to preserve. Whether it’s pausing for a moment of silence, supporting a neighbour, or helping someone feel safe on their way home, every act of kindness contributes to the legacy of those we honour 🧡