Remember the fallen – but be creative
POST A POPPY CAMPAIGN IS LAUNCHED
PEOPLE are being encouraged to commemorate Remembrance Day by creating poppy-themed artwork, sweet treats or other artefacts to be featured in a city centre display.
Leicester’s Lord Mayor’s office has launched a Post a Poppy campaign, encouraging people to bake cakes, draw pictures or plant Remembrancethemed flowers, and to send in photographs of their work.
The plan is to then include them in a Remembrance display in the city and online.
Due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, the traditional Remembrance Day services at the Arch of Remembrance and Leicester Market will not go ahead this year, and instead people are being called upon to commemorate in new and creative ways.
This year’s remembrance events will focus on a range of opportunities for reflection, including getting involved in online commemorations, personal reflections or activities at home.
Leicester Lord Mayor, Councillor Annette Byrne, said: “Like many events on the city’s calendar this year, we are going to have to approach Remembrance Day differently, through alternative ways to commemorate those who’ve lost their lives in conflict.
“We are encouraging people to get involved in our Post a Poppy campaign, by sending us a picture of themselves with their poppy, or even make a poppy to wear, bake a poppy cake or make a poppy display in your garden.
“Although this year’s commemorations have to be different, they need not be any less heartfelt or sincere, and we’d still love people to get involved in whatever way they can.”
Other events include a BBC Radio Leicester Remembrance Day programme to be broadcast on Sunday, November 8, at 10.30am. It will feature personal stories and information from those who have fought in different conflicts, along with a message from the Bishop of Leicester, as well as two minutes’ silence at 11am.
The Arch of Remembrance in Victoria Park will be illuminated in red.
The Royal British Legion has also shared ideas for alternative ways for people to mark Remembrance Day, including creating a Remembrance space in the garden; using social media to take part safely in services or activities; or by creating an online exhibition of photos or artwork. Photos and other creative Remembrance Day ideas for the Post a Poppy can be sent to:
This year’s Poppy Appeal is online, but families can get involved by going to: