04.11.2026, 08:51 (UK time)
News
On Sunday 8 November Remembrance Sunday will be marked across the United Kingdom. The main national ceremony takes place at the Cenotaph on Whitehall in London. At 11:00 the country pauses for a silence, followed by the laying of wreaths.
Wednesday 11 November is Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War. It is the same day Poland celebrates its National Independence Day – Poland regained independence on 11 November 1918.
Analysis
No tickets are needed for the Cenotaph ceremony – it can be watched from the pavements along Whitehall and Parliament Street, although access may be limited if crowds are large. 11 November is not a bank holiday in the UK. Many workplaces and schools, however, pause at 11:00 for a one- or two-minute silence. The Royal British Legion runs the Poppy Appeal – this year it aims to raise more than £50 million for service personnel, veterans and their families.
What it means
In the UK the red poppy is a symbol of remembrance for the fallen, not a political symbol. For us Poles these days bring together two stories: remembering soldiers, including Polish ones, who fought alongside the British, and joy at regained independence.
Risk
During appeals there are fake collectors and fake donation websites. Commemorations in central London will bring crowds and traffic disruption.
What to do
- If you want to buy a poppy, do so from volunteers with an official collection tin or through the Royal British Legion or Poppyscotland websites.
- At 11:00 on Sunday and on Wednesday you can pause for a moment of silence – at work, at home or in the street.
- Check whether your parish, Saturday school or Polish community organisation is holding an event on 11 November.
- If you are travelling to central London on 8 November, leave early and check TfL updates.
How to read this
Details of local commemorations depend on councils and organisations. Plans for Polish ceremonies in the UK are worth checking on the websites of the Polish embassy and consulates.
Contact us
Have a question or need help in Polish? Email: [email protected], use the live chat on our website or call: 07508 267866 (Mon–Fri 9:00–13:00 and 15:00–18:00, Sat 11:00–14:00).
Sources: LBC – Remembrance Sunday 2026, Wikipedia – Remembrance Sunday, Office Holidays – Independence Day 2026
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