Armistace Day at Accu: Supporting the Poppy Appeal, the Armed Forces & Honouring Lives

Each year, the Poppy Appeal and Remembrance events serve as poignant reminders of those who have served and sacrificed for the country.

Team Accu is committed to not only understanding and respecting the historical significance of these occasions, but actively supporting them within our community.

Each year, we’re proud to engage in meaningful efforts to observe the Poppy Appeal, Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day, and since receiving our Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award in 2024, we also celebrate affirming our dedication to those who serve, have served and their families.

For those who don’t know the history behind the Poppy Appeal, Remembrance events & Armistice Day, we’ve delved into their origins below, highlighting why they’re as important to celebrate today as they ever were.

The Poppy Appeal: A Symbol of Remembrance, Hope & Resilience

The Poppy Appeal traces its roots to the battlefields of World War I, where poppies grew in the ravaged landscapes of Flanders. Inspired by this resilience, Canadian doctor John McCrae wrote the famous poem “In Flanders Field”, with the poppy later becoming a symbol of remembrance and hope.

Today, The Royal British Legion leads the Poppy Appeal in the UK, raising funds to support veterans, serving personnel and their families, offering vital assistance in areas like rehabilitation, housing and financial aid.

RBL’s latest video ‘Protection’ serves as a reminder of why the Poppy Appeal is still important, all these years following the end of WWI & WWII.

At Accu, our support for the Poppy Appeal begins in our reception area, where poppies, snap bands and other themed merchandise are available for purchase from our team and visitors, along with a donation box for any further contributions. As a team, we strongly recognise the significance of remembrance and appreciation for the sacrifices made by service members.

Here are some of the thoughts from a few members of Team Accu about why we should wear a poppy to show our support and appreciation:

"To me, poppies represent honour to those who sacrificed so much for our freedom. Each one is a reminder of their bravery, and wearing it is my quiet way of showing gratitude and commitment to remembering their legacy."

"Wearing a poppy is a simple yet powerful way to honour those who’ve served and sacrificed. Supporting the British Legion helps ensure veterans and their families receive the care they deserve. It’s our way of saying thank you and showing that their courage is never forgotten."

"Remembrance Day is a time to reflect on the bravery of those who’ve protected our freedoms. Donating and wearing a poppy is our commitment to remember their stories and support the ongoing work to help veterans live with dignity and respect." 

By supporting the Poppy Appeal, Team Accu joins a nationwide movement that commemorates those who have given so much. Every poppy worn and every donation made is a tribute and testament to those who have served, reminding us of the resilience, courage and dedication that these individuals embody.

Remembering Together: Community Events We’re Supporting

Accu’s local community in West Yorkshire takes pride in coming together to honour the Poppy Appeal, but what are we doing?

Our Accu Community team, responsible for organising team building & charity fundraising events, have made the following plans for us to help support the Poppy Appeal this November, encouraging everyone to get involved, reflect and contribute:

• Poppy Appeal Bake Sale on Wednesday 6th November
  In keeping with the spirit of the Poppy Appeal, we hosted a poppy appeal themed bake sale where team members could purchase poppy-themed cake & other baked treats. All proceeds will go to The Royal British Legion, allowing our community to support veterans and active service members through something as simple and enjoyable as sharing a cake.
  
  

• Wreath Laying at Brockholes War Memorial
  Remembrance Sunday saw our team join with our local neighbours to gather at Brockholes War Memorial. This important opportunity offered us the chance to pay our respects by observing silent contemplation and reflection for our fallen soldiers, whilst laying a Royal British Legion Poppy Wreath on behalf of everyone at Accu.

• Two-Minute Silence on Armistice Day
  On 11th November at 11am, the entire Accu team will observe a two-minute silence, joining millions across the UK in a shared moment of reflection and respect. This tradition, which began as Armistice Day in 1919, marks the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany, sealing the end of the war. Later known as Poppy Day, owing to the tradition of wearing a remembrance poppy, or more commonly Remembrance Day, this worldwide event remains a powerful way to honour those who have given their lives in service. By pausing together, we remember their sacrifices and the lasting impact of their service.

Community-driven initiatives like these aim to foster unity and reflection, whilst also making a tangible difference for those in need. It’s a chance for us to support one another, raise awareness and contribute to a cause that extends far beyond our workplace.

Accu’s Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award

Accu is honoured to hold the Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award - a recognition of our commitment to the Armed Forces community. The Covenant itself is a pledge to ensure that those who serve, or have served, and their families are treated with fairness and respect.

The Silver Award signifies Accu’s dedication to being an Armed Forces-friendly employer, creating a supportive environment for veterans and reservists - actively engaging in initiatives that aid these communities.

"As Silver Award holders under the Armed Forces Covenant, Accu are proud to support those who serve or have served in the armed forces. This pledge highlights our commitment to supporting veterans, reservists, and their families, in recognition of the valuable role they play not only at Accu but also within our local community."

Gayle Corrigan

HR Manager

Through the Covenant, Accu pledges to provide employment support for veterans, helping them transition to civilian careers where their skills and experience are valued. This aligns with our core values, as we strive to bring precision, dedication and teamwork - qualities embodied by the Armed Forces - into everything we do.

By upholding the Armed Forces Covenant, we’re not only honouring a promise but also creating a welcoming and inclusive culture within Accu.

Why Remembrance Matters Year-Round at Accu

While the Poppy Appeal and Armistice Day serve as annual reminders of remembrance, Accu’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces extends throughout the year. We believe that honouring those who serve isn’t confined to a single day or event but is a continuous effort.

Our dedication includes providing veterans and military family members with opportunities to build fulfilling careers at Accu, recognising the unique skills and experiences they bring through our Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award. By promoting values of respect, resilience and reliability within our workplace, our company culture honours the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces.

For our local community, remembrance goes beyond the events in November. It’s about fostering connections, extending support and ensuring that the legacy of those who have served lives on through positive action. Whether through fundraising, volunteering, or simply taking the time to remember, we are all committed to making a meaningful difference all year.

Join Us in Honouring Remembrance

From everyone at Accu, we invite you to join us in observing the Poppy Appeal, Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday this year. Through events like our poppy-themed bake sale, donation drives and observing the two-minute silence, we’re actively supporting and engaging with the community to honour the legacy of those who have served.

Together, let’s wear our poppies with pride, support those in need and continue to build a future that respects and uplifts our Armed Forces and those who have sacrificed a great deal in service to their communities. As we reflect on the importance of remembrance, let us also remember that every action, no matter how small, contributes to a culture of respect, gratitude and unwavering support.

If you’d like to help raise funds in support of those affected by war, you can donate to the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal on their website.