UK Remembrance Day

Reflection, recognition and occupation

UK Remembrance Day is an opportunity to recognise and reflect on the lives and experiences of those who have served, those serving today, and the families and communities connected to them.

Remembrance means different things to different people. Some may attend a service or come together with their community. Others may choose to reflect privately, share memories with family or colleagues, or not mark the day at all.

However you choose to approach Remembrance Day, it offers a moment to acknowledge the service, sacrifice and experiences of people across the Armed Forces Community, including friends, colleagues and patients.

Asking a simple and sensitive question, such as ‘Have you or someone close to you served in the Armed Forces?’, can create an opportunity to understand more about a person’s experiences, needs and sources of support.

The nature of Remembrance continues to evolve

The nature of Remembrance is changing. While it remains closely connected with those who served in the First and Second World Wars and subsequent conflicts, it also encompasses people affected by more recent and ongoing military operations.

It also has an impact on those whose stories are told less often, such as the families and descendants of Commonwealth soldiers. As we get better at recognising the past, more people will find connections with these once-forgotten histories.

The identity of a veteran is evolving too. Veterans are people of different ages, backgrounds and experiences. Some may have served for many years, while others may have spent a shorter time in the Armed Forces. They will all have differing occupations, social circles and means of participation.

Key takeaway

Not everyone who has served identifies with the word ‘veteran’ or immediately recognises that support intended for veterans is available to them. Check in with the people you support.

Remembrance as an occupation

There is no single way to mark Remembrance Day and no single emotion to accompany it.

For some people, observing a silence, attending a service, laying a wreath or wearing a poppy will be important and meaningful. Others may choose to visit a significant place, share stories or photographs, connect with former colleagues, spend time with family or reflect privately. Some people may not wish to take part at all.

For some people, Remembrance Day may bring pride, connection and a sense of belonging. For others, it may prompt grief, difficult memories or mixed emotions. This year may be particularly challenging for people whose partners, parents, children or other family members are serving.

Military service affects more than the person wearing the uniform. Partners, children, relatives, friends and wider support networks can all experience the demands, uncertainty and transitions associated with military life.

The OT role

As the Armed Forces Community continues to evolve, occupational therapists can help ensure that support reflects each person’s identity, experiences and priorities.

We can help people explore what Remembrance means to them and identify a way of participating that feels meaningful, manageable and safe. This could include:

• supporting someone to plan for and attend a local service
• exploring transport, mobility, seating, access or sensory requirements
• developing strategies for managing crowds, noise, fatigue or difficult emotions
• helping someone participate remotely or mark the day at home
• supporting a person to reconnect with former colleagues, family or their wider community
• helping community organisations make Remembrance activities more accessible and inclusive
• respecting a person’s choice not to participate.

Recognising occupational therapists

This Remembrance Day, we acknowledge occupational therapists who have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces.

We also recognise occupational therapists who are veterans, reservists, military partners, parents and children, as well as those who support serving personnel, veterans and their families through their professional practice.

Occupational therapists work alongside members of the Armed Forces Community across many areas of practice. Their work may include:

• rehabilitation and recovery
• mental health and wellbeing support
• vocational rehabilitation and return to work
• housing, adaptive equipment and home modifications
• support with identity, roles and routines during transitions
• enabling participation in family, social and community life.

By understanding a person’s connection to the Armed Forces, occupational therapists may be able to provide more informed support or help them access specialist services.

Asking a simple and sensitive question, such as ‘Have you or someone close to you served in the Armed Forces?’, can create an opportunity to understand more about a person’s experiences, needs and sources of support.

Members of the Armed Forces Community may be found in all areas of practice. Championing colleagues to ask the question offers an opportunity to learn and support patients in a person-centred way.

By making space for all stories, we can honour the full diversity of those whose lives were shaped by conflict.

Supporting the Armed Forces Community

A group of occupational therapists formed UK Occupational Therapists for the Armed Forces Community to provide peer support, share knowledge, and advocate for the needs of serving personnel, veterans, and military families.

The group’s engagement with RCOT contributed to us signing the Armed Forces Covenant in 2025, alongside thousands of organisations across the UK.

By signing the Covenant, RCOT committed to better understanding the experiences of serving personnel, veterans, reservists and military families. This reflects our commitment to enabling everyone to participate in the activities, roles and routines that give their lives meaning.

The group meets online and welcomes occupational therapists who have served, have a personal connection to the Armed Forces or support members of the community through their work.

You can join the Armed Forces professional community on RCOT Communities to connect with others, ask questions and share learning and resources.

Actions you could take

Alongside your Remembrance Day activities, you may also want to:

• check in with a colleague who has a military background or connection, while respecting that they may not wish to talk
• learn more about the experiences of serving personnel, veterans, reservists and military families
• consider whether you routinely ask people about their connection to the Armed Forces
• explore the specialist NHS services and resources available
• share examples of how you or your team support the Armed Forces Community
• connect with the UK Occupational Therapists for the Armed Forces Community network
• reflect on your learning and record it as part of your CPD.