The spectacular poppy arrangements popped up as WW2 vets warn memory of the conflict is 'slipping from living history' and urged youngsters not to forget
BRITAIN has turned red for remembrance as the nation pays tribute to our fallen war heroes with stunning poppy displays ahead of Armistice Day.
Respectful Brits in schools, churches and workplaces across the country have spent months preparing beautiful arrangements for memorial services on Sunday.
The day marks 100 years since the end of the First World War, which saw more than 886,000 brave British military personnel sacrifice their lives for the country.
The poppy has become a power visual symbol of remembrance for the millions of people today who wear them as a mark of respect.
Now weeping widows, made up of thousands of poppies, among other displays have appeared up and down the UK, cascading from church spires and community centres.
And school children have worked tirelessly to create handmade memorials to servicemen who gave their lives for Britain.
In one particularly poignant display, 8,858 poppies were released at BT Group's London headquarters, each one representing individual postal and telecoms men and women who died in the First World War.
Despite the incredible efforts of Brits up and down the land, 100-year-old war veteran John Geddes warned memories of war are "slipping from living history" and urged young people to keep the tradition of remembrance alive.
The decorated former RAF navigator is among the last of a generation which lived through both global conflicts.
During the Second World War he took part in a daring series of enemy raids including the Battle of Berlin, which claimed the lives of more than 2,000 British crewmen.
John, holder of the DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross), said: "With every year the need for remembrance becomes stronger, as the memories slip from living history.
"It's hard to understand the impact of the war when you've not been involved yourself, but it's not something I'd ever wish for another generation to encounter.
ONE hundred veterans today ended their 100 mile Long Walk Home from Ypres, Belgium to London’s cenotaph to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War.
UK’s top military housing charity Haig Housing Trust organised the 100 Veterans and serving personnel who will receive a heroes welcome as they walk back to the capital.
The march from across the military community has been called The Long Walk Home and the journey will finish on Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph where the walkers are VIP guests.
The walk started in Belgium, then Dover to Canterbury, to Gillingham and then Gravesend to London on Saturday. Friends and family will greet the walkers as they return and join them for the last mile of their pilgrimage.
Brigadier James Richardson MBE, chief executive of Haig Housing, said: “The Long Walk Home recognises the great sacrifice given by so many in that war and its pilgrimage to walk the route from Flanders to the Cenotaph to take part in the National Act of Remembrance by today’s Veterans will be a poignant commemoration . We hope that the public and in particular the people of Kent give support and encouragement to this event.”
"All the same, it's important that people don't forget just how many people gave their lives, fighting for a better future."
On Sunday, 103-year-old Ron Free - Britain's oldest veteran - will lead a march of 100 comrades at the Cenotaph.
Ron was blinded in the war after four years of suffering malnutrition in a Japanese prison of war camp.
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