Armistice Day: Remembering History and the Chinese Lives Lost for Peace
Every November, streets and towns across the United Kingdom take on a quiet, solemn shade of red. The poppy worn on people’s lapels is both a tribute and a reminder — a reminder that peace has never been easily won.
11 November is Armistice Day, also widely known as Remembrance Day. On this day, people across the country observe two minutes of silence to honour all military personnel who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars and in conflicts since. The poppy became a symbol of remembrance because it was the first flower to bloom on war-scarred battlefields, standing for life, resilience and hope.
Honouring Chinese Contributions That Should Not Be Forgotten
When people gather to commemorate the fallen, the image that usually comes to mind is that of the soldiers who fought bravely on the front lines. Yet in both World Wars, many individuals from China also made extraordinary sacrifices.
During the First World War, Britain recruited tens of thousands of Chinese labourers through a base established in Weihai, sending them to the Western Front to carry out essential logistical work such as building trenches, transporting supplies and maintaining railways.
In the Second World War, Chinese members of the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps fought alongside British troops during the Battle of Hong Kong. Many were killed, wounded or went missing during the fall of the city.
Their names may not appear on every memorial, but their contributions are no less deserving of remembrance.
2025: A Tribute from MBL Volunteers
This year, two volunteers from The Mothers’ Bridge of Love (MBL) joined representatives from various communities at the Cenotaph in London to observe the Armistice Day silence.
In that moment of stillness, participants bowed their heads to remember those who travelled far from home and gave their lives for peace — including the tens of thousands of Chinese labourers and Chinese servicemen who served during the wars. After the ceremony, representatives laid wreaths and poppies at the foot of the monument, offering their respect in the simplest and most heartfelt way.
Their presence and their silence reflected MBL’s commitment to ensuring that the stories of those who crossed cultures and borders in the name of peace are seen, heard and remembered.
To Remember Is to Build a Better Future
Armistice Day is not only a reflection on history; it is a reminder for the present:
Peace must be protected, and everyone who has contributed to peace deserves to be honoured.
MBL will continue to share cross-cultural stories, foster understanding and kindness, and help bring to light historical moments that have long been overlooked.
May we cherish peace — and may the souls of those who have gone before us rest in peace.